Killer typhoon ripping through the Philippines
A MILLION people have fled their homes to escape a huge typhoon which threatens killer winds reaching 130mph.
Residents wade through flood water yesterday after the typhoon struck the city of Borongan
Officials fear as many as 19 million will be hit by Typhoon Hagupit as it continues its deadly assault. The massive storm has killed at least three people, including a baby girl. More than 900,000 residents in the Philippines were in emergency shelters last night after the typhoon ripped through houses and cut power.
Roofs, crops and shop signs were destroyed by hours of sustained winds reaching more than 100mph. Heavy rain also brought storm surges of up to 22ft, raising fears of flash floods and landslides. Two people, including the baby, died of hypothermia and a third person was crushed by a falling tree.
Many areas of the country are in complete black-out, so we’ve yet to hear what the full impact has been
Among the thousands fleeing the storm was a pregnant woman who had to give birth in an evacuation shelter. Marilyn Ramonolos, 23, was guided through the birth by a doctor on the phone from Manila.
The storm has brought back memories of the death and destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan last year. Experts last night said Hagupit is not as dangerous, but warned it could still cause widespread devastation. Joyce Laker, the Philippines director of charity Action Aid, said:
“The storm is slow moving so still has the potential to be destructive. “Many areas of the country are in complete black-out, so we’ve yet to hear what the full impact has been. “We are handing out desperately needed basic supplies – such as rice, canned food, water and coffee – as well as hygiene kits to people who have fled the typhoon.”