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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 more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.

Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

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

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.

Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.