The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed 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 were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
