The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
