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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

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

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.

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

International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.