The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is 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.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
