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The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

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

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system 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 thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Recent Context and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

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

Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.