Heifer International country staff in the Philippines reports that Super Typhoon Megi, which roared through the country Monday, has severed communications with team members in the north, the area most affected by the storm and an area where Heifer has projects in at least seven provinces.

Impact of the storm on those projects in unknown at this time—country staff are depending upon public reports for storm reports—but efforts are under way to restore communications or determine other means to learn the condition of Heifer team members and project participant families.

The storm, the strongest cyclone in years to buffet the Philippines, drowned at least one man and was expected to plunge later into China. The typhoon packed sustained winds of 140 miles per hour and gusts of 162 mph as it made landfall midday Monday, felling trees and utility poles and cutting off power, phone and Internet services in many areas.

In Thailand and Vietnam, Heifer staff continues to monitor the path of the storm but don’t anticipate any damage or significant impact on Heifer projects or programs. In China, Heifer’s country director continues to monitor news of the storm, but does not expect it to impact any of the organization’s projects and programs in that country.

Heifer International continues to monitor reports of the storm and to communicate with staff in the Philippines and elsewhere in Southeast Asia to determine the safety and status of staff, Heifer projects and the families with whom we work.

Stay tuned to Heifer blog for more updates.

[Image from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.]