WINNIPEG — While tens of thousands of people in the Philippines are dealing with the devastation Typhoon Koppu left behind, many people in Winnipeg are trying to make sure their friends and family are okay.
At least 22 people are dead on the main northern Philippine island, several people are reported missing and more than 500,000 have been affected by the storm. More than 100,000 villagers have been moved to emergency shelters.
READ MORE: Storm moves away from north Philippines after leaving 20 dead
Ron Cantiveros was vacationing in the area and flew out just before the storm hit. His family’s hometown was one of the hardest hit areas.
“Several plazas, buildings and bridges around our hometown were devastated by flood waters,” said Cantiveros. “A lot of the rice crops, pretty much all of the ones my cousin indicated, were lost. All that work for that harvest is gone.”
WATCH: Flooding in Philippines leaves residents boating through streets
Cantiveros’ cousin, Azel Natividad, is the mayor of Gapan City. More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from the area.
“I always think of family first,” he said. “We’re just waiting for updates either by text message or by email.”
READ MORE: Typhoon leaves at least 11 dead, Philippine rescuers pluck villagers from flood-hit province
Koppu blew ashore as a powerful typhoon on Sunday before weakening. It was over the Luzon Strait on Tuesday with winds of 75 kilometres (46 miles) per hour and was expected to weaken further, according to the government’s weather bureau.
“What we need right now are donations from humanitarian people who can send relief goods, food and clothing,” said Daniel Cajurao.
Cajurao has family in the Philippines but has had trouble getting in contact with them.
“The communication lines are down and especially the power lines going up north,” he said. “Because of the strong rains and winds brought by the storm… it’s also affecting the signal.”
It is estimated the storm could cause $115-million US in damage.
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