The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
