🔗 Share this article

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.

Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers 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 result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.