The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck 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 had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
