Philippines urges residents in the affected areas to evacuate as the super typhoon Man Yi intensifies on its approach

The Philippine authorities made an urgent call on Saturday to residents of coastal towns and low-lying areas to evacuate as the super typhoon Man Yi gained strength in its approach to the main island of Luzon.

Man-Yi intensified, with sustained maximum winds of 195 kph and gusts reaching up to 240kph.

It was prompted to increase its alert level to the highest for the provinces Catanduanes Sur and Camarines Sur, located in central Bicol.

Ariel Nepomuceno of the Office of Civil Defense urged residents to evacuate if they were in the projected path of the typhoon. Man-Yi was expected to bring heavy rains, powerful winds, and possibly storm surges.

Nepomuceno warned that storm surges may reach up to 3 metres (10 feet) in areas prone to landslides.

PAGASA has warned that this typhoon is a "potentially life-threatening and catastrophic situation" in the Bicol Region.

A disaster official on DZRH Radio said that more than 500,000 people have been evacuated in the six provinces of the region. He added that the number will continue to grow as local authorities mobilize residents.

PAGASA reported at 5 pm (0900 GMT) that the storm had moved 120 km eastwards of Catanduanes, and it was expected to land late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

PAGASA stated that "it must be stressed that heavy rain, severe winds and storm surge can still occur in areas outside of the landfall point."

Metro Manila, the main capital region, is also expected to be affected by heavy to intense rainfall as early as Sunday.

Man-Yi, also known as Pepito in local dialects, was responsible for the cancellation of several flights over the Visayas area facing the Pacific Ocean.

About 20 tropical storms hit the Philippines on average each year. They bring heavy rains, strong winds, and deadly landslides.

Government figures show that in October, Tropical Storm Trami, Typhoon Kong Rey, and other storms caused floods and landslides, killing 162 people. Another 22 are still missing.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that this month was the first time four storms have been active at the same time in the western Pacific Ocean.

Nepomuceno stated that nearly 40,000 uniformed staff were on standby to assist in search, rescue, and relief operations. More than 2,000 vehicles including navy vessels were also ready for deployment.

"We aim for zero casualties," Nepomuceno said.

(source: Reuters)