Typhoon hits Philippines, Manila closed

November 3, 2000
Web posted at: 9:06 AM HKT (0106 GMT)

MANILA (Reuters) -- All schools and offices were closed in Manila on Friday after Typhoon Bebinca hit the northern island of Luzon and passed through the Philippine capital around dawn.

Authorities hoisted the storm signal No. 3, the highest level alert, over much of Luzon. In Manila, strong winds and hours of driving rain overnight brought down trees and lampposts and flooded many streets.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council said four people had been reported missing, but there were no other reports of casualties. Local television channels said hundreds of people had sought refuge from rising waters in schools and other shelters.

All flights from the capital were cancelled for the day and television and radio stations urged people to stay at home.

The Coast Guard banned all vessels from leaving port. All financial markets were closed and the Bankers Association of the Philippines said there would be no central clearing.

Television said some 65 percent of Metro Manila, where about 10 million people live, was without electricity. In some areas, authorities shut off power because of snapped electric cables and the dangers of electrocution.

The weather bureau said the typhoon packed winds of up to 130 km per hour (70 mph) at its centre. It said the typhoon would move out to sea by around midday (0400 GMT).

Bebinca, called Seniang locally, is the second typhoon to hit the northern Philippines in less than a week. At least 26 people were killed and more than 40 were reported missing after Typhoon Xangsane passed through Luzon earlier in the week.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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