MANILA, Philippines – The Tuguegarao Airport was closed to the public on Saturday, September 15, because of Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut).

Department of Transportation (DOTr) media relations officer Mishella Cruz said the notice to airmen (NOTAM) on the airport’s closure was in effect since 8 am. (READ: Canceled flights due to Typhoon Ompong) 

A NOTAM is a notice filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight. 

Photos from DOTr Assistant Secretary Giovanni Lopez showed the typhoon has heavily damaged the airport’s passenger terminal building. 

Parts of the ceiling fell to the floor and some windows were broken, sending puddles of water inside the premises.  

Ompong made landfall in Baggao, Cagayan at 1:40 am on Saturday and is now moving toward Ilocos Norte. 

Thousands of people have already evacuated in Cagayan and nearby regions ahead of the typhoon’s landfall. 

Social Welfare Secretary Virginia Orogo said Ompong has so far affected more than 126,751 individuals across 5 regions in the Philippines. – Rappler.com

News you can use during Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut):

• Weather updates and storm signals
• Reports on evacuation, emergencies, and rescue and relief efforts
• Typhoon Ompong: Free parking at SM, Ayala, Robinsons, Megaworld malls
• #WalangPasok: Class suspensions for September 13, 14, 15
• Canceled flights due to Typhoon Ompong
• Will Typhoon Ompong be the same as Super Typhoon Lawin?
• COMPARISON: Typhoon Ompong and previous Philippine typhoons
• What gov’t has done so far to prepare for Typhoon Ompong
• Fact-check on viral stories related to Typhoon Ompong
• DFA giving P5,000 aid for OFWs stranded due to Typhoon Ompong
• 3 dams release water due to Typhoon Ompong
• Power lines affected by Typhoon Ompong
• Roads closed due to Typhoon Ompong