Philippines typhoon kills five rescuers

• More than 74,000 people evacuated from the path of the typhoon.
• They were operating in the San Miguel district.
• Officials had earlier issued warnings of severe flooding.

In the Philippines, a storm that left homes underwater and millions without electricity claimed the lives of five rescue personnel.

They were operating in the San Miguel district, north of the Philippine capital of Manila, when sudden floods washed them away.

Typhoon Noru severely damaged the area, leaving some inhabitants stranded on their roofs while others swam through water that was up to their chests in trash in an effort to provide supplies.

Over half of the country’s 110 million people reside on the island of Luzon, where the typhoon produced wind gusts of high to 240 km/h (149 mph).

Locally called Karding, the super typhoon Noru initially made landfall on Sunday at 20:20 local time (12:20 GMT). It should depart the Philippines by Monday night.

One man was observed in San Vincente, a community in San Miguel, trying in vain to wipe water away from his door.

Another cried that the nation’s officials should “concentrate on climate change” while perched on top of the rooftop of her home.

Water levels in the village are reportedly dropping after reaching their high about 4:00 in the morning.

Officials had earlier issued warnings of “severe flooding” in parts of the nation’s capital, Manila, and more than 74,000 people had been evacuated from the path of the typhoon.

However, there haven’t been any reports of significant harm or widespread fatalities so far.

At a press conference on Monday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos declared, “I think we may have gotten lucky, at least this time. “I believe it’s evident from what we’ve done these last two days that preparation is extremely, very crucial,” he continued.

“It hasn’t ended yet. When the majority of evacuees have returned to their homes, I believe, is when we can stand down “said he.

Mr. Marcos has directed that supplies be airlifted and cleanup tools be given to the most impacted communities.