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The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over 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 more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.

Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses 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 the new storm.