Typhoon Durian expected to hit Philippines Thursday

Manila: A severe weather warning was issued to a dozen Philippine provinces on Wednesday as disaster officials expect Typhoon Durian to hit the main island of Luzon late Thursday.

Typhoon Durian is expected to hit land on Thursday evening or early Friday morning.

The bureau said the it could develop into a maximum category 5 storm or “super typhoon'', with winds of up to 150 km (93 miles) per hour and gusts up to 180 kph anticipated.

Luzon is the most populated of the country's 7,100 islands.

“We have activated our emergency operating centres and sent out severe weather advisories to 12 provinces,'' Agnes Palacio, head of disaster operations, said.

“The provincial disaster coordinating councils are also stockpiling medicines and setting up heavy equipment needed in case of landslides,'' he added.

Disaster officials urged residents of coastal and low-lying areas to move to higher ground, fearing flash floods, landslides and heavy rain.