Giant waves, floods and landslides frighten people in central Philippines where typhoon Melor hit before noontime Monday. Officials reported that over 700,000 people fled their homes to safer grounds.
Wind velocity reaches 185 kilometers per hour brushing the northern tip of Samar, according to the weather bureau. Authorities warned that traditional houses made of poor materials such as tin roofs may not survive the strong winds; and agriculture may again suffer substantial losses. It could throw together a furious giant wave as high as 13 feet and uproot trees.
However, there were no casualties or damages immediately reported.
Approximately 600,000 people were evacuated in Albay province. The national disaster monitoring office reported concern over mudslides caused by violent rains and powerful winds on the slopes around Mayon Volcano. Deserted boulevard slammed by angry waves. “The whole province is now a ghost town. We shut all establishments. No school, no work,” Albay governor Joey Salceda said on ABS-CBN television.
In the southern region of Albay, province of Sorsogon, a total of 130,000 people were also evacuated.
Disaster monitoring agency reported 40 domestic flights cancelled leaving thousands of passengers stranded and cargo ferry ships barred from sailing since Sunday. Social welfare secretary Corazon Soliman told DZMM radio that the government comes prepared for the typhoon with 200,000 food packs including other emergency items before Typhoon Melor made landfall.
Sources: International Business Times, Business Standard
