MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Ompong barrels towards densely populated Hong Kong and southern China, hours after it left the Philippine area of responsibility at 9 p.m. on Saturday, PAGASA said, as it warned of monsoon rains. "Ompong" was packing maximum sustained winds of 145 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 180 kph. PAGASA weather forecaster Ariel Rojas said Saturday that even though the storm had passed the Philippines, it would continue to bring heavy rain in the country possibly causing more floods and landslides until Monday. As the powerful storm left the Philippines, authorities began sending search teams to remote areas hit by communication and power outages. Ted Aljibe/AFP A woman weeps as she talks about her family's experience at the height of Typhoon Ompong in the town of Baggao, Cagayan province on September 15, 2018.

Source: Philippine Star September 15, 2018 23:26 UTC