The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands 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 for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
