WEB DESK
In Philippines, tens of thousands of people are being evacuated from their homes in central and southern parts of the country as a powerful typhoon quickly gathers strength ahead of its expected landfall.
The latest report from the Philippine weather bureau, PAGASA, on this morning said that Typhoon Rai is undergoing rapid intensification as it barrels towards the island province of Dinagat in the mid-eastern section of the country.
As of 07:30 a.m. IST, the Philippine met office said wind speed has accelerated to 185 kilometres per hour near the centre with the speed of up to 230 kilometres per hour, moving west-northwest.
It warned of very destructive typhoon-force winds in some parts of the country within the next 12 hours. Sailors have also been advised to remain in port or take shelter as sea conditions are risky for all types of sea vessels.