Hong Kong Typhoon: Super storm Mangkhut 'could impact 43 million people' in region and Philippines

A satellite image showing Super Typhoon Mangkhut approaching the Philippines
NASA/EPA
James Morris14 September 2018

A “super typhoon” is hurtling towards the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Up to 43.3 million people could be affected by Super Typhoon Mangkhut as agencies warned on Wednesday (September 12) of a “high humanitarian impact”.

It has been rated as a Category 5 storm, the highest possible hurricane strength.

The typhoon is expected to hit the northern Philippines on Friday before veering towards Hong Kong on Saturday or Sunday. Charities have warned people to have survival kits prepared and evacuation routes planned.

Filipinos disembark from a makeshift raft ahead of the impending super typhoon
Francis Malasig/EPA

Mangkhut passed through the US, causing blackouts, and was hurtling towards south-east Asia at speeds of 161 miles per hour on Wednesday.

The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System warned the affected countries will have “high vulnerability”.

Filipino workers repair electric cables in Las Pinas ahead of the impending super typhoon
Francis Malasig/EPA

It said: “This tropical cyclone is expected to have a high humanitarian impact based on the storm strength and the affected population in the past and forecasted path.

“Up to 43.3 million people can be affected by wind speeds of cyclone strength or above.”

Filipino fishermen fold a fish net in Las Pinas ahead of the impending super typhoon (Francis Malasig/EPA)
EPA

The Philippine government was readying food stockpiles and standby funds on Wednesday.

The Hong Kong Observatory said: "Mangkhut is expected to bring adverse weather to Hong Kong on Sunday, with frequent squalls and heavy rain according to the present forecast track. Seas will be very rough with swells. Together with the storm surge, low-lying areas may have flooding or backflow of seawater.

A woman poses for photographs in Hong Kong, as it was reported Super Typhoon Mangkhut will strike at the weekend
EPA

"The Observatory advises members of the public to be fully prepared and to complete all precautionary measures in the next few days.

"If you have activities later on Saturday and on Sunday, please note that the severe weather may affect your plan."

Meanwhile, Honk Kong airline Cathay Pacific has told passengers to expect flight disruption.

It tweeted: “Super Typhoon #Mangkhut will affect Hong Kong and likely to disrupt air traffic from late 15SEP. We will publish more info as typhoon tracks forward. Passengers are urged to update contact details.”

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