Millions flee as monster typhoon slams into Philippines Published: 10:50AM Friday November 08, 2013 Source: AP Email this article Print this article Text size+- Related World’s most powerful typhoon slams Philippines (0:29) Philippines braces for super typhoon (0:22) One of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded slammed into the Philippines today, setting off landslides, knocking out power in one entire province and cutting communications in the countrys central region of island provinces. Telephone lines appeared down as it was difficult to get through to the landfall site 650 kilometers (405 miles) southeast of Manila where Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the southern tip of Samar island before barreling on to Leyte Island. A villager was electrocuted in southern Surigao del Sur province and another was hit by tree felled by strong winds in central Cebu province, officials said. Television images from Tacloban city on Leyte Island showed a street under knee-deep floodwater carrying debris that had been blown down by the fierce winds. Tin roofing sheets ripped from buildings were flying above the street. Visibility was so poor that only the silhouette of a local reporter could be seen through the driving rain. Weather officials said that Haiyan had sustained winds at 235 kilometers (147 miles) per hour, with gusts of 275 kph (170 mph) when it made landfall. More than 125,000 people had been evacuated from towns and villages in the typhoons path, which was to cut across the central Philippines, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Among them were thousands of residents of Bohol who had been camped in tents and other makeshift shelters after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the island last month. Southern Leyte Gov. Roger Mercado said 31,000 people were evacuated in his landslide-prone mountainous province before the super typhoon struck, knocking out power, setting off small landslides that blocked roads in rural areas, uprooting trees and ripping roofs off houses around his residence. The dense clouds and heavy rains made the day seem almost as dark as night, he said. Catastrophic damage The typhoon - the 24th serious storm to hit the Philippines this year - is forecast to barrel through the Philippines central region Friday and Saturday before blowing toward the South China Sea over the weekend, heading toward Vietnam. Advertisement Jeff Masters, a former hurricane meteorologist who is meteorology director at the private firm Weather Underground, said the storm had been poised to be the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded at landfall. He warned of catastrophic damage. But he said the Philippines might get a small break because the storm is so fast moving that flooding from heavy rains - usually the cause of most deaths from typhoons in the Philippines - may not be as bad. Weather forecaster Gener Quitlong said the typhoon was not losing much of its strength because there is no large land mass to slow it down since the region is comprised of islands with no tall mountains. Officials in Cebu province have shut down electric service to the northern part of the province to avoid electrocutions in case power pylons are toppled, said assistant regional civil defense chief Flor Gaviola. President Benigno Aquino III assured the public of war-like preparations, with three C-130 air force cargo planes and 32 military helicopters and planes on standby, along with 20 navy ships. Email this article Print this article Text size+- by Taboola You May Like Kiwi expats forced to return home Bellroy Hide and Seek wallet bellroy Katy Perry talks about Lorde Finns react to Nokia sale Financial Times Monster typhoon batters Philippines Fresh details emerge of Mt Taranaki climbing tragedy US pageant contestant’s gaffe goes viral New patient sets record for longest pregnancy Read Article Watch Video (3 videos) Advertisement World News Hackers target Singapore PM Poland gives coal a voice during UN climate talks Taliban plan wave of revenge attacks in Pakistan Letter handed to emperor causes uproar in Japan Man rises from Sao Paulo grave video US documents raise questions on Munich art hoard US set to ban artery-clogging trans fat Most Popular Millions flee as monster typhoon slams into Philippines video Lady Gaga smoked 15 joints a day after broken hip Petition calls for tougher action on Roast Busters Guns, ammunition found in Holden Commodore Roast Busters ringleader is arrogant - parents video RSSLatest News 22:19 Hackers target Singapore PM 22:03 Poland gives coal a voice during UN climate talks 21:30 Firebirds close on Stags early advantage 20:09 Lady Gaga smoked 15 joints a day after broken hip 20:03 Ponder rallies Vikings, but leaves injured Sponsored Links Experience the best night out! Breakers Nov 15 at Vector Arena. Tix from $18.50 Bods In Motion. Helping people lose weight. Best rental prices, best equipment Advertising H
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:35:13 +0000
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