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The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

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

According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

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

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.