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HONOLULU (KITV) — Some are already calling it the most powerful storm in the world this year. With destructive winds and blinding rains ripping off the tin roof of a building and toppling over this gas station.
Super Typhoon Mangkhut, also known by its Filipino name Ompong is forecasted to be stronger than Hurricane Florence.
More than five million people were said to be at risk from Mangkhut but thousands evacuated ahead of the storm making landfall including friends and loved ones of Honolulu Pastor Abigaile Corpuz.
“I’m so worried also nervous because of course they are our church members as well as our relatives, our families are there because according to them this is one of the strongest typhoon that visited the Ilocos Norte,” Corpuz said.
She isn’t the only one here in Hawaii that’s worried..
“We’re concerned they may not be able to survive this very very strong typhoon,” CEO of Pinoy Power radio Emmie Ortega-Anderson, said.
Ortega-Anderson says she hasn’t been able to reach her family or members of the media located on the northern part of Luzon.
“The poor connection. Internet is in and out and I cant seem been able to get a good connection so it is a concern,” Ortega-Anderson said.
Electricity posts are down and landlines aren’t working. Many say Mangkhut brings back haunting memories of the last typhoon that hit the country. Five years ago, which killed nearly 6,000 people .
Loved ones of those living in the Philippines are praying that is not the case this time around.
“The typhoon is already devastating homes, business and overall livelihood,” Ortega-Anderson said.
The super typhoon hit farming communities and many still fear that flash flooding could cause more devastation.
Corpuz says farmers are also worried and nervous.
“The Philippines is a third world country.. and its always a concern of how they will get the help and resources,” Ortega-Anderson said.
The Philippines Red Cross said it had activated 30,000 volunteers across the northeastern part of the country. But the impacts from Mangkhut are even being felt in the Philippines capital Manila where there is widespread flooding.
So far there are no reports of any casualties. The Philippine Consulate Generage in Honolulu says it is ready help Hawaii residents get in contact with relatives affected by the typhoon.
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