The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
