The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
