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

Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.