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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.

Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

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

The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.