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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

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

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

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.

Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.