The typhoon called Ramil locally, and Lupit internationally, is gathering strength as it steadily makes its way westward across the Pacific Ocean with winds of 175km and gusts up to 210km. It is expected to make landfall on Wednesday 21 or early Thursday 22 October on the northern tip of the Philippines’ main island, Luzon, mostly sparing the capital Manila. The military is moving relief goods and trucks, speedboats and soldiers north in anticipation of rescue missions.

The Philippines is still recovering from the last two typhoons with survivors in the north still living in tents being urged not to return to their homes. Philippine weather service chief, Prisco Nilo, told a press conference in Manila 18 October that people should be evacuated “now that there is still time” [and not] “in the middle of a typhoon”. AP, Philippine Inquirer