Philippines: Millions to evacuate as Typhoon Haima looms

Millions of people in the Philippines were ordered to prepare for one of the strongest typhoons to ever hit the disaster-battered country. (Photo: AFP)

Hanoi (VNA) – Millions of Philippine people have been told to get ready for evacuation as one of the strongest typhoons to hit the island country in history, Haima, is forecast to sweep the northernmost area at 11pm (local time) on October 19. 

The storm brings wind almost as strong as that of Haiyan, the super typhoon which claimed over 7,350 lives in 2013. 

Allan Tabel, Chief of Disaster and Information Coordinating Centre under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, said in an announcement on State-run television that typhoon Haima will cause not only heavy rainfalls but also landslides and huge waves in coastal areas. 

The weather bureau said typhoon Haima is moving closer to the Philippines with wind speed of up to 225km per hour and gust up to 315km per hour. Local authorities also warned of five-metre high tidal waves. 

According to the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of the Philippines said more than 10 million people in the northern island of Luzon will be affected by the super typhoon.-VNA