The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
