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

Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

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

Per 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 storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.