The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
