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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed 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 were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

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

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.