Preparations for super typhoon HAIYAN (YOLANDA) in Philippines

Thousands of people in central Philippines are being evacuated in preparation for one of the strongest storms on the planet so far this year, equivalent to a strong category 5 hurricane. This storm has sustained winds of 305 kph (190 mph) and gusts as strong as 370 kph (230 mph). Warnings for super Typhoon HAIYAN (known locally as YOLANDA) have been issued for: Tacloban, San Juan, Iloilo, Cebu, Oras, and Mamburao. After sweeping across the Philippines, the storm is expected to move towards Vietnam, Laos, southern China and perhaps Thailand.

Travellers should be very cautious and monitor weather and emergency reports frequently.