The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“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 also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim 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 as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading 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 were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
