Philippines: Thousands evacuate over fear of storm

Dozens of thousands of Philippine people were driven from their homes by floods while three fishermen were reported missing as tropical storm Kai-Tak is heading towards the eastern Philippines, authorities said on December 16.
Sea vessels are docked at the Cebu City port area on December 15 after they were barred from travelling because of bad weather (Source: www.philstar.com)
Sea vessels are docked at the Cebu City port area on December 15 after they were barred from travelling because of bad weather (Source: www.philstar.com)

Kai-Tak, packing gusts of up to 100 kilometres an hour, is poised to land in the north of the country's third-largest island Samar overnight of December 16 before slicing across the central Philippines, said the Philippine state weather service.

More heavy rain is expected in the eastern Philippines in the coming hours, along with flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in the uplands.

Over 38,000 local residents eople have moved to evacuation camps, after days of heavy rain unleashed by the approaching storm caused floods and landslides on Samar and nearby Leyte islands.

The islands, with a combined population of about 4.5 million, had borne the brunt of super typhoon Haiyan four years ago, which left more than 7,350 people dead or missing.

Ferry services on the two islands remain suspended due to rough sea. Three fishermen were also missing despite government warnings against sailing. A baby girl and a woman were also injured in landslides near Tacloban, Leyte's largest city.

About 20 typhoons make landfall in the Philippines or reach its waters each year.

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