Philippines evacuates thousands of people as super typhoon Man Yi approaches

On Saturday, the Philippines evacuated thousands of people and cancelled dozens flights as a super-typhoon threatened heavy rains and strong winds that could cause floods and storm waves.

The storm Man-Yi, which was packing winds of up to 185 kph 115 mph, was headed for the eastern portion of Luzon's main island. This prompted the weather agency of the Philippines to issue its second highest alert for Catanduanes province and Camarines Sur province.

It added that "Pepito" (the local name for the super-typhoon) was approaching its peak intensity. The super-typhoon is expected to land near Catanduanes Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Data from the disaster agency revealed that close to 180,000 people have been evacuated in central Bicol.

Man-Yi, the sixth tropical cyclone in a single month to strike the Philippines, has forced the cancellation of dozens flights in eastern Visayas facing the Pacific Ocean.

Weather agency warned that dangerous storm surges could reach 3 m (10 feet) or more in coastal areas along Luzon.

It was predicted that Man-Yi would weaken as the storm moved over the island. However, the storm will probably remain a typhoon up until it reaches the South China Sea.

Around 20 tropical storms hit the Philippines on average each year, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and deadly landslides.

Government figures indicate that in October, flooding and landslides caused by Tropical Storm Trami, and Typhoon Kong Rey, killed 162 and left 22 people missing.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that four storms were raging in the western Pacific Ocean at the same moment this month, for the first since records began in 1950. (Reporting and editing by Clarence Fernandez; Karen Lema)

(source: Reuters)