Typhoon closes in on Philippines; 300 evacuated

A STRONG typhoon is heading to the northern Philippines forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people living on the slopes of a volcano that exploded earlier in the week, the weather bureau said.
Typhoon Noul, packing sustained winds of 160km/h and gusts of up to 195km/h, was blowing toward Isabela province on the main island of Luzon and it is expected to make landfall early Sunday, government forecaster Fernando Cada said.
After hitting land, the typhoon is forecast to veer north toward southern Japan by Monday, he said.

Military personnel evacuate young residents and their families living near the Bulusan volcano. AFP/Charism Sayat Source: AFP

Cada said heavy rains are expected within a 100km radius from the eye of the typhoon.
About 300 people, more than half of them children, evacuated from a village near Mount Bulusan, because authorities said the rains could dislodge debris that was spewed in two volcanic explosions in Sorsogon province’s Irosin township, about 500km south of Isabela.
Forecasters also warned of storm surges 2.5 meters (4 meters) high, which could swamp coastal communities.

Young residents and their families living near the Bulusan volcano carry their belongings as they are evacuated to a safer place in Irosin town, Sorsogon province, south of Manila. AFP/Charism Sayat Source: AFP

The coast guard suspended ferry services from Matnog port south of Irosin, stranding over 4,100 people and at least 300 vehicles.
About 20 storms and typhoons enter the Philippines yearly. The strongest on record to make landfall, Typhoon Haiyan, devastated the central Philippines, claiming more than 7,300 lives.