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

Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations

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

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

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

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.