As a super typhoon batters the eastern islands of the Philippines, thousands of people have been evacuated, and all government buildings have been shut down.
Over half of the country’s 110 million people reside on the major island of Luzon, where Typhoon Noru has caused gusts of up to 240kph (149mph).
According to forecasters, the storm “explosively intensified” as it neared land west of Luzon.
Landslides, flash floods, and hazardous storm surges could all be brought on by the storm.
Officials have issued warnings of “severe flooding” in parts of the capital, Manila, and more than 8,400 people have already been evacuated from its route.
In a 24-hour period, the storm’s speed rose by 90 km/h. Robb Gile, a weather forecaster, told news organisation AFP that the increase in speed was “unusual.”
As the strongest degree of warning and designating Noru as a super typhoon, the Philippine weather office has issued a wind signal five for Luzon.
Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, head of the national police, advised citizens to heed evacuation orders.
