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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident 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.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

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

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.