MANILA, Dec 3 (Reuters) - A typhoon struck the Philippines
on Tuesday bringing heavy rains and prompting preemptive halts
in air travel, schools and government offices, with some 200,000
people evacuated after warnings of floods and landslides.
Typhoon Kammuri, the 20th typhoon to hit the country this
year, weakened slightly and moved slowly across central parts of
the archipelago during the night, with damage minor reported in
some areas.
The storm was packing 155 kph (96 mph) wind speeds and gusts
of up to 235 kph (146 mph), the weather bureau said. Authorities
warned of landslides, storm surges and floods triggered by heavy
winds and rain, preemptively moving 200,000 people to safe
places in several dozen provinces.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant
damage.
The main airport in Manila would be closed for 12 hours from
11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (0300 GMT to 1500 GMT) as a precaution,
although air travel continued in unaffected areas of the
country. Government offices and schools were closed in affected
areas and utilities firms appealed for patience ahead of
anticipated power outages. The coastguard halted commercial sea
travel in affected areas.
Local television showed footage of the main airport in
Legazpi province with cables, lighting and panels hanging from
the ceiling. Pictures posted by social media users showed waves
crashing against bulwarks, felled trees and signage, and some
minor damage to electricity poles.
The Philippines is hosting the Southeast Asian Games and
organisers postponed several events, including the surfing,
kayak, windsurfing, sailing and canoe contests.
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