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

Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

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

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

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

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.

Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.