The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
