The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
