The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts 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 national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
