Tropical Cyclone ‘Mangkhut’ formed over the North West Pacific Island on 07 September, 2018, and moved toward Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, causing wind damage and some flooding from heavy rain.
Since then Mangkhut has strengthened and is moving towards the Philippines as a Super Typhoon. It is forecast to continue west-north-west and reach northern Luzon and the Babuyan Islands (Philippines) on 14-15 September. Heavy rain, storm surge and strong winds are likely to affect the northern Philippines, southern Taiwan and possibly Hong Kong and parts of southern China.
Guam and Northern Mariana Islands
As of 10 September, around 2,100 people had evacuated their homes and were staying in emergency shelters in Guam. Others in vulnerable locations, including tourists in hotels, were warned to stay indoors during the storm. Schools, offices, shops and the airport were all closed temporarily.
According to local media, Typhoon Mangkhut damaged homes, caused widespread power outages, knocked down power poles, flooded some areas and uprooted large trees. Dededo and Yigo were among the worst hit areas.
Most of the damage was caused by strong winds, although some flooding was reported in Yigo. As much as 145.3 mm of rain was recorded in 24 hours to 11 September in Agana.
Guam Governor Eddie Calvo will request the federal government to declare a state of emergency for Guam.
Meanwhile the US government has already declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands after Rota was hit by the storm late on Monday, 10 September, 2018. Rota is the southernmost island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Philippines
Typhoon Mangkhut is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Wednesday afternoon. Known locally as ‘Ompong’ the storm was last observed 1,390 km east of southern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h per hour near the centre. Moderate to heavy rain is expected across Luzon and other parts of the country from Wednesday 12 September.
