The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
