The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm 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 peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
