The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off 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 who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
