The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
