The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, 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 surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning 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, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
