The strongest typhoon to hit Manila in 11 years cut across the northern Philippines Wednesday, Sept. 27, toppling trees and billboards while triggering flash floods and landslides. Xangsane, which means elephant in Laotian, is the 10th typhoon this season. The storm is responsible for a mass power outage in Manila and in the northern island of Luzon. Compassion Philippines reports anywhere from 18 to 21 people have died in Manila and in the Bicol region. Other news reports say the number is around 48. No Compassion-assisted children, families or Compassion staff members have been injured. The Compassion Philippines' country office has temporarily shut down due to the lack of electricity.

Albay, a city in Bicol, was one of the hardest hit regions. Compassion Philippines has at least four student centers there. The severe weather has cut off the region's water supply and power. Staff members are text messaging each other to get an update on Compassion-assisted children in that area. They are also trying to get reports from two other hard hit areas: Daraga and Ligao. Compassion Philippines has projects in these towns but, at this time, could not specify the exact number.

Staff members are also concerned about seven newly opened projects in Samar. The province is considered the poorest in the Philippines and is usually the first to be hit by typhoons because of its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

In Manila, government offices, banks and gas stations shut down because of the power outage. Flights and trains were also temporarily suspended.

Please pray for the people affected by this natural disaster, especially for the Compassion staff as they continue to work under severe conditions.  

Compassion Philippines will provide an update as information becomes available.