Mass evacuations underway as Typhoon threatens Philippines

Mass evacuations underway as Super Typhoon Haiyan threatens Philippines

The Government in the Philippines is preparing for the worst as the country braces for Super Typhoon Haiyan which is expected to hit the Visayas Islands Friday, local time. The islands are home to some 18 million people.

There are fears the typhoon may also hit the Bohol area which bore the brunt of a 7.2 earthquake just last month. World Vision is continuing its relief efforts in Bohol so will be readying the community for this latest emergency.

Haiyan is predicted to be the strongest storm this year with winds up to 240 kilometres per hour. It is forecast to surpass Typhoon Bopha's strength; the storm that pummeled northern Mindanao province last year destroying 216,000 homes.

The aid agency is working with national and local government disaster units, alerting communities along the storm's path to take precautionary measures.

"The country has learnt from previous disasters so many families in low-lying and flood-prone areas have already sought refuge in evacuation centres," says World Vision's communications advisor Crislyn Felisilda.

Schools, businesses and sea ports closed for safety reasons. Coastal communities have been advised to halt fishing activities and farmers have been urged to harvest what they can before the storm hits. 

ENDS

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