Typhoon Yutu falters in the north of the Philippines

MANILA (Reuters) – A typhoon that devastated the western Pacific islands was shot down on the Philippines Tuesday, resulting in high winds and a risk of floods, storm surges and landslides. land in some northern provinces.

Yutu, the 18th Typhoon that hit the Philippines this year, swept away on Tuesday the main island of Luzon with winds of 140 km / h and gusts of up to 230 km / h, and was to dissipate in the aftermath -midday. .

The typhoon, called Rosita by Philippine authorities, comes just six weeks after the passing of the Typhoon Mangkhut, which caused massive rains on Luzon, causing landslides that killed more than 70 people. Thousands of people were evacuated on Monday.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The video of the storm on television and social media showed violent winds bending trees and signs, jerky raindrops and flying materials flying through the air.

Lorelai Plaza Lastica, a resident of Isabelela, in the northeastern province of Luzon, where Yutu landed, said the electricity was shut off and she could see debris scattered on the roads, but no major damage.

"It was scary because it was so loud after midnight," she said by phone.

The National Meteorological Agency PAGASA warned against land and sea travel in the affected areas and asked residents to stay indoors.

Boat services have been suspended in the bustling port city of Batangas. Thousands of people in some mountainous, coastal and riverine areas settled in temporary shelters Monday after warnings were issued about landslides and waves up to 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Yutu has been considerably weakened since the night of October 24, when a super-typhoon blowing at least 270 km / ha directly hit Saipan and Tinian, two islands of Northern Marianne, US territory located approximately 9,000 km (5,590 miles). west of the American continent.

It was the most violent storm that hit the archipelago in 50 years and killed one woman and injured more than 130 others.