The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
