The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
