🔗 Share this article

The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

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

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts 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 stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.