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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.

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

Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.

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