The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident 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, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
