Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

66 die as Philippines feels super-typhoon Angela's fury

Saturday 04 November 1995 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manila (Reuter) - Super-typhoon Angela, the most powerful storm to hit the Philippines for years, yesterday killed 66 people, had 200,000 fleeing their homes and left millions without power.

"This is the worst beating we have had," the Catanduanes Governor, Severo Alcantara, said before communications with the island were severed, apart from ham radio links. Catanduanes, 220 miles east of Manila, was the first to feel Angela's fury.

Up to 500 miles in diameter and with winds gusting up to 155mph, Angela then scythed across Luzon, the most heavily populated island in the Philippines, a nation of 65 million people.

Initial estimates put damage to property and crops at more than 1.2bn pesos (pounds 30m).

President Fidel Ramos, taking personal charge of relief efforts in Manila, said: "Saving lives and reducing damage is the main event at this particular time." The normally congested capital turned into a ghost town as its 8.5 million people cowered indoors.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in