The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
