During the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, I was in San Pedro, Laguna. Thankfully, my hometown was spared by the typhoon. For some who, like me, weren’t in the center of the calamity, it might be easy to undermine the gravity of the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the country this year, but they need only to open their timelines or scroll their feeds to see the true impact of Ompong, one of the largest typhoons we’ve had yet. With its monstrous size covering almost the entire country, netizens whose hometowns have sadly bore the brunt of the calamity, showed us the true face of Typhoon Ompong.
Baguio and Benguet were most affected by the typhoon. Sadly, casualties were reported. The storm ravaged different parts of the area, including the Loakan airport, strawberry farm, Minesview, La Trinidad, and Marcos highway. Flooding was uncontrollable, and the amount of rain also triggered landslides. Photos shared by netizens will give you the better picture.
Strong wind blows, heavy rains, zero visibility and no electric power at Baguio City @YouScoop @gmanews @ABSCBNNews #OmpongPH #TyphoonOmpong #OmponghPH pic.twitter.com/KEmrU1fQrc
— sɐıɯǝɹǝɾ (@itsmejeremias) September 14, 2018
Harrison Road, Baguio City. #TyphoonManghkut #TyphoonOMPONGph pic.twitter.com/chEvDgB2Fu
— ? (@JAOmpong) September 15, 2018
In IIocos Norte, power outages, as well as the lack of telephone and Internet signals affected most towns. About 9,000 people moved to evacuation centers. Even this gas station in San Nicolas collapsed due to the strength of the wind.
The roof of a gas station in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte eventually caved due to #OmpongPH forceful winds @cnnphilippines pic.twitter.com/Xgq1CW4g5f
— David Y. Santos (@davidyusantos) September 15, 2018
As of now: 6:06 am. Here in Ilocos Norte Area. May God guide us. ?#OmpongPH #TyphoonOmpong #TyphoonMangkhut #SignalNo4 pic.twitter.com/6cTFdEdWBl
— Norman Jay Astro? (@ItsMeNrmnJy) September 14, 2018
My town is being devastated by this #TyphoonOmpong looks unreal. Sending love and prayers to those being affected. ? #OmpongPH
?Caaoacan Ilocos Norte, pic.twitter.com/h1sRG3uN4s
— KEALOHA (@JUSTKEALOHA) September 14, 2018
Tuguegarao City in Cagayan suffered severely, too. Even the roof of Cagayan’s Capitol gave out. Baggao Town, specifically, suffered most, with the storm’s 300 kilometers per hour wind strength uprooting trees, tearing over signages, and completely destroying houses.
The aftermath of #TyphoonOmpong here at Tuguegarao City. Lord, heal our City and all other areas affected! pic.twitter.com/08j5ev4fqZ
— Reighn Buenaventura (@reighnism) September 15, 2018
WATCH: Flood is already rising in Tuguegarao.
Stay safe everyone!#OmpongPH #TyphoonOmpong pic.twitter.com/Vbtu6QJx2r
— Philippine Red Cross (@philredcross) September 14, 2018
#KomyUnityReport | Ranie Udarbe’s Facebook post | Look: The aftermath of #TyphoonOmpong in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Heavily damaged infrastructures and homes and uprooted trees. The city is also experiencing power outages. pic.twitter.com/nsuq1WSFrY
— The CSU Communicator (@koko_komyu) September 15, 2018
Downed power lines, wind and rain on the road through Cagayan #TyphoonOmpong #Mangkhut pic.twitter.com/C6PLVebj8M
— Aurora Almendral (@auroraalmendral) September 15, 2018
Other parts within and near Metro Manila obtained damage too, due to the strong winds. In Los Baños, Laguna, netizens showed the alarming number of trees uprooted.
good morning laville #TyphoonOMPONGph #OmpongPH #UPLB @UPLBOfficial pic.twitter.com/qEyg04nk8B
— Nathan Felix (@nathanyeeel) September 15, 2018
In flood-prone areas such as Marikina, many were forced to evacuate. Locals were also alarmed by the formation of a tornado within the area.
Tornado in Marikina this afternoon ? pic.twitter.com/1P02kBAdYz
— Che Buenaventura (@chepot829) September 14, 2018
Situation along Shaw Blvd. Wack Wack Mandaluyong around 5:30AM. Strong winds and heavy rain. #OmpongPH #TyphoonOmpong #TyphoonMangkhut pic.twitter.com/2e2wZC26Hb
— David Shen D’Angelo (@shenbrood) September 14, 2018
While, the storm is out of the Philippine area of responsibility, it’s still important to keep safe. For those who weren’t as affected, don’t forget to be grateful and be mindful of others’ situations. Above anything else, prioritize showing empathy or helping out those who were affected by typhoon Ompong, in any way you can.
Photo courtesy of PAGASA via Inquirer.net
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