The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away 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 stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday 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, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
