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A warning of air and sea travel disruption has been issued for the Philippines due to a ‘super typhoon’ with gusts of up to 296kph.
Typhoon Hagupit – locally named Ruby – is likely to bring three to four-metre-high storm surges this weekend together with a risk of flash floods and landslides.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned in an updated travel advisory: “Travel disruptions are likely at airports and seaports throughout the Visayas and Mindanao over the weekend due to the typhoon.
“Flight cancellations and delays are also expected at Manila’s airports.
“British nationals with travel plans should check with their carriers prior to departure.
“There is minimal risk that the typhoon will pass across Luzon or affect metro Manila.”
The country’s state weather agency PAGASA said Ruby is expected to make landfall over eastern Samar in the Visayas on Saturday and is likely to remain in the Philippines until Tuesday.
“Since Ruby is still far from land, there are no public storm warning signals in effect,” the FCO added. “These will be triggered when a storm is expected within 36 hours.
“British nationals in the Visayas and Mindanao should continue to monitor weather forecasts and advisories and follow the instructions of government officials, police and security personnel.”
Haiyan was the most powerful typhoon ever recorded over land. It tore though the central Philippines last November leaving more than 7,000 dead or missing.
Ruby is not expected to be a powerful as Haiyan, but could bring storm surges up to one storey high, the BBC reported.