AFP, MANILAThousands of people in the typhoon-prone central Philippines yesterday had their Christmas plans ruined after they were told to leave their homes as a severe tropical storm approaches. Officials on Christmas Eve said that residents should evacuate coastal areas, while thousands more were stranded at ports with ferry services shut down as the nation hunkered down for rain and strong winds. The weather service said that Phanfone, Laotian for “animal,” could strengthen into a typhoon overnight with sustained peak winds of more than 120kph. It advised residents, including those in Manila, to stay indoors on Christmas Day to avoid the high winds that can cause damage to weaker structures. Homes built with flimsy materials, as well as populated areas along the coasts, floodplains and mountainous interiors, are often the most vulnerable.

Source: Taipei Times December 24, 2019 15:56 UTC