🔗 Share this article

The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. 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 confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

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

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.

Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.