The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms 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 doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
