Typhoon Washi hit Southern Philippines causing flash floods killing 650

800 people are reported missing in southern Philippines on Sunday (today) after houses were swept into rivers and out to sea by flash floods and landslides caused by Typhoon Washi that hit the area.

Cagayan de Oro and nearby Iligan cities on Mindanao island were worst hit when Typhoon Washi slammed ashore while people slept late on Friday and early Saturday, sending torrents of water and mud through villages and stripping mountainsides bare.

Floods washed away entire houses with families inside in dozens of coastal villages in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

"This is the first time this has happened in our city," Vicente Emano, mayor of Cagayan de Oro, said in a radio interview. He said officials in the area did not receive adequate warning before the typhoon struck.

The death toll has reached 650 and thousands have been made homeless.

Source: The Star
- Philippines searches for hundreds after typhoon kills 650

Tropical storm Nock-Ten wreaks havoc

Nock-Ten, named after a Laotian bird, is definitely not as mild as a bird. Instead, it is causing much damage and so far, the tropical storm has resulted in floods and landslides taking lives in Korea, The Philippines and elsewhere.

The image below shows cars stranded on a submerged street in Seoul as 400mm of rainfall pounded Seoul yesterday. At least 28 people were killed.

By contrast, the weather here in KL is pleasant. I don't want to sound like gloating or anything like that. The MET department says the effects of the tropical storm are not likely to affect Malaysia directly, so we are a lot luckier over here. Tropical storm Nock-Ten is expected to bring rain and strong winds to northern Sabah and the middle of the peninsula over the next two days.

From where I am, I can still see the sunlight streaming through the trees casting shadows on the ground. I gave a silent thanks and said a prayer for those who are going through the horrible weather in parts hit by the Laotian bird. May the storm blow over quickly so that people can pick up the pieces and go about their business, the business of making the most of life.

Related articles:
Tropical storm Nock-Ten expected to hit three states over next two days
Storms kill over 50 in the Philippines and S. Korea, rain expected here

Image source: The Star