The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
