The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
