The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
