Typhoon Mangkhut hits northern Philippines, claims two lives

At least two people have died after the massive typhoon Mangkhut struck Philippines on Saturday, packing winds of more than 200 kmph with relentless rain, causing floods and landslide in many parts of the Northern Philippines. Both the victims were women.

According to a report, after bringing a massive destruction in the northern Philippines, the typhoon is now is moving towards West China. A government official said, “Almost all buildings in the city of Tuguegarao sustained some or the other damage.”

Although, considering the current situation, the death toll is likely to increase. Though there was a sigh of relief, in the sense, the damage was not as bad as severe as it could have been. “Honestly, we were expecting the worst from this,” Edgar Posadas, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) told CNN.

According to the Associated Press, “More than 15,000 people were evacuated from the Cagayan province prior to the typhoon’s arrival.” Over 447 mm (17 inches) of rain was reported in Baguio, Philippines, with 269 mm (11 inches) reported in Tuguegarao, Philippines, leaving cars stranded in flooded roadways.

WATCH: Flood is already rising in Tuguegarao.

Stay safe everyone!#OmpongPH #TyphoonOmpong pic.twitter.com/Vbtu6QJx2r

— Philippine Red Cross (@philredcross) September 14, 2018

As Mangkhut pushes westward and emerges into the South China Sea, it may weaken slightly. “As Mangkhut crosses the South China Sea, widespread wind damage will be likely in southern China and around Hong Kong by late in the weekend, especially in coastal locations,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty told CNN.

“I spoke to the president last night. His clear and concise order was ‘Save lives, save lives,’” Francis Tolentino, the government’s disaster response coordinator and adviser to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told Reuters.

This was not the first that the Philippines has witnessed such massive storm, the deadliest storm on record in the history of Philippines was Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, killed more than 7,000 people

Also read: Typhoon Jebi: Thousands stranded at airport in Japan, 9 killed