Residents of the northern Philippines are bracing themselves for further flooding and the possible risk of landslides today as Typhoon Sepat intensified on its destructive way to Taiwan.
The tropical storm is currently a category 5 Super typhoon and is roaring across the northwest Pacific at around 9 mph (15 km/h). Sustained wind speeds inside the super typhoon are around 140 kn (161 mph) with gusts of 170 kn (196 mph).
Sepat has not directly make landfall in the Philippines, but the outer rain bands of the storm system will continue to bring heavy rain to northern parts of the country.
Flash floods over the last few days have inundated major roads around Manila with floodwaters reaching 1.5 meters (59 inches) deep in places.
Sepat is now expected to hit Taiwan on Saturday morning as a slightly weaker, category 4 typhoon. Disaster officials have warned fishing boats to remain in ports and residents in coastal areas were cautioned of large waves and storm surges.
Tropical storms often form in the northwest Pacific during a season that last from early summer to late autumn. Many of them develop into typhoons which affect Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and southern China.
