Evacuations in Philippines as severe storm nears

Authorities in the Philippines have started evacuating people from coastal areas as a major typhoon approaches.

Category 3 Typhoon Noru is travelling at speeds of 195 km/h (120 mph) as it heads towards Luzon, the country’s main island, after what forecasters called an “explosive intensification”.

The storm could cause landslides, flash flooding and dangerous storm surges, including in the capital, Manila.

Local governments have been advised to evacuate people in high-risk areas.

“We ask residents living in danger zones to adhere to calls for evacuation whenever necessary,” said national police chief Gen Rodolfo Azurin.