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Philippines evacuates coastal villages ahead of typhoon Usagi Philippines evacuates coastal villages ahead of typhoon Usagi
(34 minutes later)
The Philippines has evacuated northern coastal villages, suspended ferry services and called in fishing boats as an approaching category 5 storm, already labelled a super-typhoon, gained strength on a path set for southern China.The Philippines has evacuated northern coastal villages, suspended ferry services and called in fishing boats as an approaching category 5 storm, already labelled a super-typhoon, gained strength on a path set for southern China.
With winds of 127 mph, typhoon Usagi, the strongest storm to hit the western Pacific this year, was moving north-west between the Philippines and Taiwan and headed for Hong Kong and south China.With winds of 127 mph, typhoon Usagi, the strongest storm to hit the western Pacific this year, was moving north-west between the Philippines and Taiwan and headed for Hong Kong and south China.
China's Xinhua news agency said preparations were being made for an "emergency response" in southern coastal areas.China's Xinhua news agency said preparations were being made for an "emergency response" in southern coastal areas.
Storm alerts have been raised on the rice and coconut-growing island of Batanes and 15 provinces on the main Philippines island of Luzon, the weather bureau said.Storm alerts have been raised on the rice and coconut-growing island of Batanes and 15 provinces on the main Philippines island of Luzon, the weather bureau said.
"Our people there know the drill, but we have also issued warnings to take safety precautions," the budget secretary, Florencio Abad, said. "We're praying it doesn't create death and destruction.""Our people there know the drill, but we have also issued warnings to take safety precautions," the budget secretary, Florencio Abad, said. "We're praying it doesn't create death and destruction."
A typhoon hit Batanes in 1987, destroying all roads as the water level surged as high as seven metres. "All our coconut trees broke in half," Abad said.A typhoon hit Batanes in 1987, destroying all roads as the water level surged as high as seven metres. "All our coconut trees broke in half," Abad said.
Power and communications in the area have been cut off for safety reasons and hospitals were put on alert as disaster agencies stocked up on food and water. Troops were also put on standby.Power and communications in the area have been cut off for safety reasons and hospitals were put on alert as disaster agencies stocked up on food and water. Troops were also put on standby.
Usagi is expected to batter the northernmost islands overnight on Friday. It is also likely to weaken before it hits southern China on Sunday night.Usagi is expected to batter the northernmost islands overnight on Friday. It is also likely to weaken before it hits southern China on Sunday night.
An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year. In 2011, typhoon Washi killed 1,200 people, destroyed more than 10,000 homes and displaced 300,000 residents. An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year. In 2011, typhoon Washi killed 1,200 people, destroyed more than 10,000 homes and displaced a further 300,000 residents.
Bopha, the strongest storm to hit last year, flattened three coastal towns on the southern island of Mindanao, killing 1,100 people and destroyed crops, property and infrastructure.Bopha, the strongest storm to hit last year, flattened three coastal towns on the southern island of Mindanao, killing 1,100 people and destroyed crops, property and infrastructure.
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