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The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

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

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.