The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
