The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
