Cleanup Efforts Underway in Asia Following Typhoon Mangkhut

Damage assessments are underway in the Philippines and Hong Kong following Super Typhoon Mangkhut, the category 5 storm that hit Asia over the weekend.

The typhoon, known as Typhoon Ompong in the Philippines, packed destructive winds and torrential rain as it cut across northern Luzon. Dozens of people lost their lives after heavy rains triggered landslides. Ninety-six Latter-day Saint chapels in the affected areas of the Philippines sheltered more than 4,000 members and friends of the Church during the typhoon where they received food and water.

LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church, is coordinating relief efforts alongside Church volunteers who are repacking supplies and distributing 7,000 food kits in the affected Philippine provinces.

In Hong Kong, members and more than 100 missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been working to help clean debris in the community. High wind smashed windows in the city, tearing off parts of buildings and roofs, while the storm surge flooded hotels and restaurants. Eight meetinghouses received minor flooding along with landscape damage. The Hong Kong China Temple received minor landscape damage but has reopened. Miraculously no lives were lost though a few hundred were injured and some were displaced.

Neighbors and community leaders in Hong Kong were impressed with the missionaries prompt response. "Thank you so much elders," a property manager in Tin Shui Wan said. "I know you are a good church and good elders." Another resident expressed, "You elders are the most well-behaved and beautiful boys I have ever seen. May the angels protect you." 

The situation is being assessed to determine exactly how the Church will assist with goods and services in partnership with other relief organizations. So far, blankets, food kits, sleeping pads and medicine are being supplied in the Philippines.

Throughout the impacted area in Asia there have been no reports of members injured or killed and all missionaries are safe.

The typhoon has been downgraded to a tropical depression as it makes its way across southern China.