The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
