The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.