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The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 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, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.