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 stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
