• The Southeast Asian archipelago is often the first major land mass to be struck after storms build above the warm Pacific Ocean waters. Dennis Sabangan/EPA
    The Southeast Asian archipelago is often the first major land mass to be struck after storms build above the warm Pacific Ocean waters. Dennis Sabangan/EPA
  • The storm weakened slightly as it cut across the main island of Luzon and exited into the South China Sea on Wednesday afternoon, but forecasters warn it may pick up strength again as it tracks towards southern China. Dennis M Sabangan/EPA
    The storm weakened slightly as it cut across the main island of Luzon and exited into the South China Sea on Wednesday afternoon, but forecasters warn it may pick up strength again as it tracks towards southern China. Dennis M Sabangan/EPA
  • The eye of the storm just missed Manila, home to more than 12 million people. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
    The eye of the storm just missed Manila, home to more than 12 million people. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
  • Ferocious winds tore roofs off houses, overturned cars and ripped trees out of the ground in Manila. Bullit Marquez/ AP Photo
    Ferocious winds tore roofs off houses, overturned cars and ripped trees out of the ground in Manila. Bullit Marquez/ AP Photo
  • Power in many areas, including the business district of Makati, was cut just after dawn as branches were torn off trees and electricity lines snapped. Francis R Malasig/EPA
    Power in many areas, including the business district of Makati, was cut just after dawn as branches were torn off trees and electricity lines snapped. Francis R Malasig/EPA
  • A Filipino pushes his bike in a flooded street in Manila, Philippines. Ritchie B Tongo/EPA
    A Filipino pushes his bike in a flooded street in Manila, Philippines. Ritchie B Tongo/EPA
  • People gather at a basketball arena used as a shelter after they fled to safety from their homes in Manila on July 16, 2014. Jay Directo/AFP Photo
    People gather at a basketball arena used as a shelter after they fled to safety from their homes in Manila on July 16, 2014. Jay Directo/AFP Photo
  • Across the country, about 350,000 people fled their homes and took shelter in evacuation centres, according to the disaster management council. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
    Across the country, about 350,000 people fled their homes and took shelter in evacuation centres, according to the disaster management council. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
  • A man walks through heavy wind and rain as Typhoon Rammasun barrels across Manila on July 16, 2014, shutting down the Philippine capital on July 16. Jay Directo/AFP Photo
    A man walks through heavy wind and rain as Typhoon Rammasun barrels across Manila on July 16, 2014, shutting down the Philippine capital on July 16. Jay Directo/AFP Photo
  • Residents at the slum community of Baseco evacuate to safer grounds at the onslaught of Typhoon Rammasun, locally known as Glenda, which battered Manila on July 16, 2014. Bullit Marquez / AP Photo
    Residents at the slum community of Baseco evacuate to safer grounds at the onslaught of Typhoon Rammasun, locally known as Glenda, which battered Manila on July 16, 2014. Bullit Marquez / AP Photo
  • The Philippines is hit by about 20 major storms a year, many of them deadly. Francis R Malasig/EPA
    The Philippines is hit by about 20 major storms a year, many of them deadly. Francis R Malasig/EPA
  • Rammasun was the first typhoon to make landfall since this year’s rainy season began in June. Jay Directo/AFP Photo
    Rammasun was the first typhoon to make landfall since this year’s rainy season began in June. Jay Directo/AFP Photo

Asia

In pictures: Typhoon Rammasun batters the Philippines

Mark Asquith

July 16, 2014

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The first typhoon of the Philippines’ brutal rainy season brought the capital of Manila to a virtual standstill, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee to safety. At least 38 people have been killed so far.

WeatherSoutheast AsiaPhilippines