Philippines threatened by super-typhoon Noru
The Philippines is preparing for the arrival of a severe typhoon. Currently located northeast of the capital, the depression continues to strengthen and should hit the island this Sunday at the end of the day.
A satellite image of Typhoon Noru in 2017.
AFP
Super Typhoon Noru was heading towards the Philippines on Sunday, where it was expected to make landfall on the island of Luzon, prompting evacuations in coastal towns, authorities said. Accompanied by winds of 185 km / h, this typhoon is the strongest recorded in the Philippines this year and was strengthening very quickly. It was due to make landfall late Sunday followingnoon regarding 80 km northeast of the capital Manila, according to the National Weather Service.
“We ask residents of areas at risk to obey calls to evacuate when necessary,” said Philippine Police Chief General Rodolfo Azurin. The Philippines is regularly ravaged by typhoons, a phenomenon which tends to worsen due to climate change, according to scientists. Nine months ago, another super-typhoon killed more than 400 people. The speed of the winds accompanying Noru increased by 90 km / h in just 24 hours, an intensification “unprecedented”, estimated the weather forecaster Robb Gile.
Winds over 205 km/h
The weather service said wind speeds might reach 205 km/h by the time the super-typhoon, which was over the Pacific on Sunday morning, makes landfall on Sunday evening. The service warned of flooding, landslides and strong storm surges.
In Quezon province, located in Noru’s likely path, residents of several villages have been evacuated, said Mel Avenilla, an official with the local disaster prevention office. In neighboring Aurora province, residents of Dingalan municipality have been sent to shelters.
The typhoon is expected to weaken as it passes over central Luzon Island, before moving away into the South China Sea on Monday towards Vietnam.
AFP
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