The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased 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.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
