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The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.

Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying 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: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.

Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

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

International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.

The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.