The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
