Typhoon Mangkhut (known locally as Ompong) made landfall in the north-eastern Philippines in the early hours of 15 September 2018. With sustained wind speeds of more than 205 km/h and gusts of 255 km/h, the typhoon was the strongest storm to hit the Philippines since Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda) in 2013.

WHO supported the Philippine Department of Health to respond. The Organization prepared in advance of the typhoon’s arrival, activating the country-level and regional emergency teams on 14 September. By 16 September, the first WHO staff had been deployed to the affected area to join humanitarian teams in conducting a rapid assessment of the typhoon’s health impact. Technical guidance was provided to the Department of Health on disease surveillance, immunization and risk communication.