Super Typhoon Megi crashed into the Philippines on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction in its path.Thousands of residents fled to safety as heavy rains and strong winds caused flooding, collapsed trees and cut off power.It was the strongest storm to hit the island nation in four years.
At least seven people died in the storm, and at least six others were injured by falling trees, broken rooftops and glass, officials said.More than 4，150 residents were forced to take shelter in schools, town halls, churches and relatives' homes.
A typhoon is a tropical cyclone, or hurricane, that occurs in the western Pacific or Indian Oceans.The storm is named a “super typhoon” when winds exceed 150 mph.Megi crashed ashore in the Isabela province of the northern Philippines with whipping winds that reached 162 mph.The storm created big waves in Palanan Bay.All ships and fishing boats were advised to stay in ports.Several airline flights were canceled.
Luckily, the winds blew high from the ground, sparing many rice fields from damage, says Alvaro Antonio, the governor of Cagayan province.The region also took a hard hit from the storm.
Thousands of military reserve officers and volunteers stood by to help with relief efforts.Evacuations and emergency preparations for the storm were made days in advance.Retired army Major General Benito Ramos heads the Philippines' disasterpreparedness agency.He said readying for the typhoon was like“preparing for war.”
Notes：
①tropical cyclone热带气旋 ②evacuation n ． 疏散
③collapsed adj.倒塌的
