As Super Typhoon Mangkut continues to wreak havoc in the Philippines, many Filipinos living in Steinbach are concerned for their families.

Local resident Misael Dizon says his entire family lives in the Filipino province of Pampanga and are already experiencing high volumes of wind and rain. He adds that the threat of a storm surge has everybody scared.

Dizon describes a storm surge as a huge wave caused by wind and atmospheric pressure change that comes up from a body of water and has the capability of washing away entire homes.

As of right now, Dizon informs that his family’s concrete house is above the waters and strong enough to withstand fairly heavy winds, though many neighboring houses are already being destroyed. “[My family] is trying to fix everything,” says Dizon, “save the livelihood, make sure the animals are in a safe place, and prepare some food.”

Dizon notes he is familiar with typhoons, having experienced one the last time he was visiting his parents. Once the flooding gets bad enough he notes, food is very difficult to find because there is nowhere to buy it and no means of transportation.

“Whenever I hear there is a typhoon I keep really close touch with my family in the Philippines,” comments Dizon who is worried that Mangkut only appears to be growing stronger.