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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

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

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

Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.