3 dead after powerful Typhoon Hagupit sweeps across Philippines

World Today

Scavengers paddle towards shanty homes at the port area in Manila on December 7, 2014 ahead of the arrival of typhoon hagupit. Shanties at the bay of Manila will be affected as typhoon hagupit will pass near Manila. Typhoon Hagupit tore apart homes and sent waves crashing through coastal communities across the eastern Philippines on December 7, creating more misery for millions following a barrage of deadly disasters. AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS

At least three deaths were attributed to Typhoon Hagupit, which also brought flooding, landslides, and destruction to property and infrastructure. More than 900,000 fled to shelters. The storm was weakening Sunday, but as CCTV America’s Barnaby Lo reported, it’s not done with the Philippines yet.

Typhoon Hagupit slammed into the central Philippines on Saturday with roaring winds and pouring rain. It knocked out power and communication lines and left a trail of destruction that was all too familiar to residents of that region. Just over a year ago, Typhoon Haiyan killed thousands and wiped out entire towns and villages.

Typhoon Hagupit was not nearly as strong as Typhoon Haiyan, but Haiyan was in and out in a day. Hagupit appeared to be taking its time, making landfall five times over the course of two days.

When the typhoon came, many streets were virtually empty because over a million people crowded schools, churches, and gymnasiums that were turned into evacuation centers.

“Because of the warning that there will be a strong typhoon, they evacuated voluntarily, no need for the call of the local government to announce the evacuation,” Philippines’ National Disaster Agency spokesperson Mina Marasigan said.