The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
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 being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
