The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
