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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.

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, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon 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 dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.

The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.