Devastation in a Philippine valley where typhoons aren’t expected

A Category 5 Super Typhoon hit the Philippines last week, leaving a path of devestation in it’s wake.  The storm was the 2nd farthest south Category 5 Typhoon on record in the Western Pacific.  While residents of Mindanao are familiar with flooding events from heavy rainfall events, typhoons are an unusual event in this part of the country.  Although storm warnings were issued, many residents either ignored them or did not receive the message to evacuate to safer ground.  The latest reports indicated approximately 400 dead and 180,000 in shelters after the storm.  A long rescue and recovery effort lies ahead.