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 over 25 times – more frequently than any other country.

One response 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.

Response update

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.

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

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.

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Typhoon Mangkhut satellite image
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Typhoon Mangkhut, Nasa's Earth Observatory
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Disasters don’t stop

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

We monitor storm 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