The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
