Typhoon Mangkhut,[nb 1] known in the Philippines as Typhoon Ompong, was the strongest typhoon to strike Luzon since Typhoon Megi in 2010, and the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the Philippines since Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.[2] In addition, Mangkhut was also the strongest typhoon to strike Hong Kong since Typhoon Ellen in 1983.[3] The thirty-first tropical depression, twenty-second tropical storm, and ninth typhoon of the 2018 Pacific typhoon season, Mangkhut made landfall in the Philippine province of Cagayanon September 14 as a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon, and subsequently impacted Hong Kong and southern China.[4] As of September 2018, Mangkhut was also the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2018.
As of September 20, at least 93 fatalities have been attributed to Mangkhut, including 88 in the Philippines,[5] 4 in mainland China,[6][7] and 1 in Taiwan.[8]
Hong Kong[edit]
Mangkhut is regarded as the strongest typhoon to strike Hong Kong since Typhoon Ellen in 1983.[3][51] Mangkhut caused flooding, especially in low-lying and coastal areas, and many trees were knocked over. Sustained winds of up to 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph) and gusts of up to 228 kilometres per hour (142 mph)[3][52][8]caused the territory's many high-rises to sway and some roofs to be torn off. Glass windows of many buildings were shattered, and the curtain walls of the Harbour Grand Kowloon were blown out. A structure on a high-rise under construction in Tai Kok Tsui collapsed onto an adjacent building, which had to be evacuated by police.[53]Many roads were blocked, and service on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) was halted on all above-ground sections of track.[54]
Some buildings around the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories area suffered broken windows and water damage. Blinking lights were reported in a lot of residential buildings as well. Serious flooding was reported in many seaside housing areas such as Heng Fa Chuen, Tseung Kwan O South, Shek O, Lei Yue Mun, villages in Tuen Mun, and Tai O.[55] About 1,219 people sought refuge in emergency shelters opened by the Home Affairs Department.[56] The Hong Kong International Airport cancelled and delayed a total of 889 international flights. More than 200 people were injured, but no fatalities have been reported.[57][58] Due to the substantial damage caused, theEducation Bureau announced that all schools would be closed on September 17 and 18.[54]
The day after the storm had passed, massive crowds filled the territory's MTR system, which operated at a reduced level of service on some lines, due to blocked sections of track.[59] Most of the city's 600 bus routes were also out of service due to roads blocked by debris.[60]
My Dear Great Ones,
I have lived through some bad storms in my lifetime and have driven through countless blizzards, and been outside in minus 20 C with a windchill of minus 40. I have dug out driveways and piled up snow in piles taller than myself. So I have become pretty cavalier to bad weather. Whatever! But Super Typhoon Mangkhut was something else. It wasn't really how hard and fast the rain was coming down or how obviously strong the wind was, but it was the sound of the wind that made me a tad uneasy. A constant, unabated howling that was both angry and scary at the same time. Thankfully most structures in Hong Kong are pretty solid, but check out the video of a high rise swaying. Wow! As for Celia and myself we were snug and safe on the top floor of a third story village home made of cement and brick. Being up high surrounded by a thick jungle also helped. It was a great day to catch up on sleep and netflix. Anyway, check out the pictures and video. Super Typhoon Mangkhut was pretty super in a way that is not good.
This was taken from the balcony of my home. Listen to the wind.
This video and the following ones were sent to me and Celia and went viral in Hong Kong.
This is crazy. The building is swaying!
The day after. It was a mess. The following six pictures are of our road: Shing Mun Road. Needless to say Celia and I had a day off from school as an army of people equipped with chain saws went to work.
Hong Kong humour. Ha ha. The video is of a guy who is using the top of a trash can as rain protection.
Praise God that despite nature's fury no one died in Hong Kong. Like after a major blizzard the remnants of thousands of trees are being cut up, gathered up, and collected in huge piles. Things are good.
Thanks for your prayers.
Have a great week!
Love adios and ping on!
Dirk
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