MANILA (UPDATE) - Two people were killed during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut) Saturday, disaster officials said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NRRMC) confirmed that the 2 fatalities were both disaster responders from the Cordillera region.

Authorities withheld their identities.

Ompong lashed northern Luzon early Saturday, toppling trees and power lines, and forcing thousands of families to evacuate.

The strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year by far, Ompong has triggered landslides in several parts of the Cordillera region, forcing several road closures in the area.

At least 5 landslides have been recorded in Baguio City alone since early Saturday Morning.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said clearing operations in the region are already underway.

"Mayroon na kaming (We already have) prepositioned na heavy equipment," he said.

He added that the public may expect several closed roads in Northern Luzon to be reopened later Saturday.

Ompong is expected to be out of the Philippine area of responsibility by early Sunday morning, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

• Several areas still under Signal No. 3 as Ompong keeps strength
• Ompong topples power lines, rips off roofs in Northern Luzon