The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
