The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
