Thousands evacuated and flights grounded as Typhoon Rammasun closes in on Philippines
Thousands of villagers living in areas prone to flooding and landslides have been evacuated in the Philippines as Typhoon Rammasun approaches the country, packing gusts of up to 150km/h.
![Typhoon Rammasun will hit the Philippines before entering the South China Sea and possibly heading towards Hong Kong, pushing bad weather ahead of it. Graphic: Hong Kong Observatory](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/2014/07/15/typhoon-0715-rammasun-2.png?itok=k_-ymmuO)
Thousands of villagers living in areas prone to flooding and landslides have been evacuated in the Philippines as Typhoon Rammasun approaches the country, packing gusts of up to 150km/h.
Schools suspended classes in several cities, including in the capital, Manila - in the typhoon’s expected path - and about 50 domestic flights and four international flights have been cancelled, along with ferry services, due to bad weather.
More than 4,000 ferry passengers and more than 50 vessels have been stranded in ports, where coast guard officials warned them from venturing into the seas.
Watch: Philippines braces for Typhoon Rammasun
While it is unclear whether the typhoon will head to Hong Kong after crossing the Philippines, the city has been warned to expect a weekend of rain and wind.
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