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The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.

Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.

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

Response and Recovery

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

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

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

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

International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.