Manila, at least 100 victims left along 'super typhoon' path of death

Deaths mainly caused by landslides and widespread collapses. After devastating the Philippines, Mangkhut hit Hong Kong and at this right now over the Chinese province of Guangdong. Electrical infrastructures in seven provinces out of use, affecting over 4 million people. The government receives first international aid.


Manila (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Philippine authorities fear about 100 deaths due to strong winds, heavy rains and floods brought by the super typhoon Mangkhut. Among the victims there are at least 40 people buried in a landslide near the mining town of Itogon (province of Benguet), 200km north of Manila.

Mayor of the city, Victorio Palangdan, declared the tragedy hit when they were in a shelter. The national police state that the provisional toll of the typhoon victims yesterday was 64 people, mainly due to landslides and widespread collapses.

After devastating the Philippines, Mangkhut hit Hong Kong and is now hitting the Chinese province of Guangdong. The storm, which the Manila authorities have recorded as the strongest of the year, has also caused flooding and knocked out electrical infrastructure in seven provinces, creating disruption to over 4 million people.

The government has welcomed the first shipments of aid for the victims of the typhoon from abroad. Australia has pledged to provide over 572,000 US dollars in basic necessities such as mats, blankets and hygiene kits for up to 25,000 people.

The United Nations Agency for International Development and the United Nations World Food Program (UN) are coordinating with the Philippines Department for Social Assistance and Development, in order to send at least 1,100 tons of rice to the country.