The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
