The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
