Typhoon Mangkhut: Devastation in the Philippines

IN SEPTEMBER 2018, SUPER TYPHOON MANGKHUT PUMMELED THE PHILIPPINES WITH WINDS OF 200KM/H. SEE HOW WE SUPPORTED FAMILIES AS THEY RECOVERED.

TYPHOON MANGKHUT


Also known as Typhoon Ompong in the Philippines, Typhoon Mangkhut ripped through the country’s main island of Luzon in September 2018. 

Its high winds and torrential rains damaged almost all the buildings in the city of Tuguegarao.

Thousands of people were evacuated amid warnings of 6m (20ft) storm surges, including those who had been displaced several times due to the monsoon rains just months earlier.

The Philippines is one of the world’s worst disaster-affected countries. We have responded there 24 times in 13 years – more frequently than any other country.

One of our most recent responses was in December 2017, when tropical storms triggered destructive mudslides and flooding. Take a look at how we responded.

Following Typhoon Mangkhut, a ShelterBox team was deployed to help families who lost everything.

We supported 1,042 families in total with essential aid like shelter kits, tarpaulins and solar lights.

Updates from the field


Watch this video to hear from Mark Boeck, ShelterBox Response Team member, about our response in the Philippines after Super Typhoon Mangkhut.

Distributions are now over. We supported 1,042 families in total with shelter kits, tarpaulins, solar lights and hurricane strapping which will help to reinforce people’s homes when they rebuild.

Jini's story


Jini is a pregnant mother of three who lives with her family in the northern province of Cagayan, Philippines.

Jini’s home was completely destroyed by Super Typhoon Mangkhut.

When the typhoon hit in the middle of the night, the family feared for their lives.

They decided to flee to a relative’s house nearby. But when they returned the next morning, they found rubble instead of a home.

When we met Jini, she was living with her mother, as they didn’t yet have the means to start rebuilding.

Read more stories

Mother and son stand outside destroyed home after Typhoon Mankhut in the Philippines

Disasters don't stop


Right now, countries all around the world are facing devastating Tropical Storms.

We are monitoring activity from our Headquarters to ensure that we are ready to respond next time a disaster strikes.

But what exactly is a tropical storm? What is the difference between a hurricane, a typhoon and a cyclone? How do they form? How often do they occur? Find out everything you need to know here.

Storms explained

Typhoon Mangkhut satellite image
Typhoon Mangkhut, Nasa's Earth Observatory

Working in the Philippines


Our work in the Philippines

The Philippines is hit by a series of deadly disasters every year. See how we’ve responded to disasters over the years.

ShelterBox Operations Philippines

ShelterBox Operations Philippines is a non-government organisation (NGO) that aims to provide emergency shelter for families affected by disasters in the Philippines.

Typhoon Kammuri in the Philippines

In early December 2019 Typhoon Kammuri, locally known as Tisoy, devastated areas in the Philippines. See how we’ve helped.