The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
