Philippines: At least two killed as Mangkhut hits Philippines Sep. 15 /update 5

Event

Typhoon Mangkhut, known locally as Ompong, is beginning to move away from the Philippines after making its way across Luzon the morning (local time) of Saturday, September 15. Authorities confirmed the deaths of two people due to a landslide in Baguio. News of power and telecommunications outages, downed trees, and widespread property damage are beginning to be reported. The capital of Manila was largely spared by the storm, though there were reports of flooding and tree damage. Many domestic flights to Luzon are canceled for Saturday and Sunday, September 16, though most international flights continue to run through Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Many flights to and from southern China scheduled for Sunday are canceled as Mangkhut makes its way toward Guangdong. Residual flights delays are expected. Continued rain, associated flooding and possible landslides, along with power, telecommunication, and ground transportation disruptions are expected in the coming hours and days.

Context

Mangkhut arrived at 01:40 near Baggao (Cagayan province) with 193 km/h (120 mph) sustained winds and 1.8 m (6 ft) of storm surge in some locations. As of 14:00, the typhoon was located 90 km (55 mi) east of the northern coast of Luzon and moving west-northwest.

Advice

Individuals present in the abovementioned regions are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.