The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.