The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
