The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
