The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
