Typhoon Mangkhut: Early preparations pay off for Filipinos in path of storm

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01:55

Typhoon Mangkhut has left a trail of destruction. But officials say it could have been a lot worse. Governments and residents say they've learned from past disasters and were better prepared. CGTN's Barnaby Lo has this report.

From coast to coast in the northern Philippines, Typhoon Mangkhut left a trail of destruction. The world's most powerful storm this year damaged crops, toppled power lines and trees, and sent debris flying everywhere. It also destroyed homes, and has left residents like Wilson Marcos, without roofs over their heads.

WILSON MARCOS TYPHOON SURVIVOR "We were able to save our lives and a few things, but everything else is gone. We were told to evacuate."

They took shelter in a nearby school, where local officials said they would be safer. A portion of the school's wall crumbled, but they survived.

FRANCISCA MARCOS WILSON'S MOTHER "I'm grateful that at least we're alive."

BARNABY LO BAGGAO, CAGAYAN "The small town of Baggao in the northern Philippines was where Typhoon Mangkhut made landfall early Saturday morning. But, amazingly, despite the deadly force of the winds, this town recorded zero casualty."

As a matter of fact, not a single person died in the province of Cagayan, the first area to take a beating from Typhoon Mangkhut. Government officials say this was, at least in part, due to preemptive evacuations.

West of Cagayan, however, Mangkhut triggered landslides that buried people alive. With heavy rains and ferocious winds lasting for hours, there was bound to be tragedy in the aftermath. Barnaby Lo, CGTN, Cagayan, Northern Philippines.