The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
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 in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
