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Topical Storm Risk
Typhoon

Hundreds evacuated as Philippines braces for typhoon

Typhoon Megi travelling with winds reaching over 140 miles per hour.

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE been evacuated from coastal areas of northern Philippines as the country prepares for a strong typhoon.

The storm, called Typhoon Megi, is believed to be the strongest of the 10 storms to have affected the country this year, and is expected to strike tomorrow morning.

Megi is travelling towards the northeastern part of the country with sustained winds of 121 miles (195km) per hour, AP reports. Gusts have been recorded at over 140 (225km) miles per hour.

Waves off the east coast could rise over 46 feet, according to Reuters, but the capital Manila is not expected to be affected by Megi.

Storm forecasters Tropical Storm Risk have categorised Megi as a Category 5 typhoon, the highest in their scale. Wind speeds are predicted to dissipate somewhat as it travels westwards across the country.

Over 100 people were killed after a typhoon struck Manila in July. President Aquino fired the head of the weather bureau for failing to predict the event. The storm also destroyed power connections, cutting the supply to millions of people.