The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
