Six People Killed in Philippine Typhoon

National disaster agency spokesperson Rafaelito Alejandro described the storm's impact as “very minimal”.

Marcos said preparations for the storm helped.

“You might think that we overdid it. There is no such thing as overkill when it comes to disasters,” he said.

The wind was whistling

The Polillo Islands bore the brunt of Noru with storm surges blamed for flooding coastal communities.

“The wind was whistling and it had heavy rains,” said Ervin Calleja, a 49-year-old teacher in Burdeos municipality.

Ferocious winds ripped off roofs and brought down large trees. Some crops were wiped out.

“Here at the town center all banana trees were flattened, 100 percent,” said Liezel Calusin, a member of the civil defense team in Polillo municipality.

“We still have no electricity, but the phones are working.”

In Banaba village near Manila, Terrence Reyes fled his riverside home with his family and neighbors as floodwaters rose during the storm.