Residents in low-lying and coastal areas were ordered to leave for higher ground with typhoon Nelgae (locally known as Quiel) forecast to reach Cagayan, Isabela, and the Babuyan group of islands along Luzon's northernmost fringe this afternoon.
Areas lying in the path of the advancing storm are part of a swathe of islands where at least 73 people are feared dead — including 30 missing — and one million displaced by Typhoon Nesat.
"Typhoon Nelgae is stronger than typhoon Nesat," said Graciano Yumul, head of the Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Wide areas of Luzon have been inundated with at least six major dams releasing water, Josefina Timoteo, regional director of Office of Civil Defence, said in a television interview.
"We have 24 hours to prepare for typhoon Nelgae's flash floods, landslides, and storm surges," said Benito Ramos, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
