The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, 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 were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
