The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
