Philippines hit by Typhoon

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-01-2006 09:45

Typhoon Durian slammed into northeastern Philippines on Thursday, spawning torrential rains, and powerful winds that blew away tin roofs and uprooted trees, as it roared towards Manila.

Packing winds of 190 kilometers per hour, Durian tore through the eastern island of Catanduanes, about 410 kilometers east of Manila before dawn, destroying property and tearing down powerlines. Villagers along the coast have been urged to evacuate, with Durian only one notch below a maximum category five, or "super typhoon".

Disaster officials have raised the alert level to maximum and warned of flash floods and landslides. The storm is expected to head out into the South China Sea, where it is forecast to weaken.

Editor:Du Xiaodan