‘Super Typhoon’ Mangkhut Projected to Hit Philippines by Saturday

Typhoon Mangkhut, which is currently a Category 4 hurricane, is set to make landfall on the Philippines' main island by Saturday. BBC reports that the “super typhoon” is projected to hit the northern tip of the island of Luzon, and ten million people are reportedly in its path. Those living in the coastal areas of southern China are also at risk. While the Philippines experience 20 typhoons and storms a year, forecasters say Typhoon Mangkhut is the strongest one this year—with sustained winds of about 129 miles per hour. Farmers are “racing” to save their rice paddies before the storm hits, and many locals in Luzon are “tying down their roofs with rocks and heavy boulders” to keep their homes intact. Others told BBC they they do not want to evacuate because thieves might enter their homes and steal their belongings. Hong Kong is also reportedly making preparations for the storm, which is projected to hit the southern part of the territory later in the weekend.