Strongest typhoon on record with 380 kmph wind speed hits Philippines

The strongest typhoon on record has reportedly hit the Philippines' central islands with 380 kmph wind speed, leading to evacuations of millions of people to high ground and storm shelters in 20 provinces.

Super Typhoon Haiyan lashed the islands of Leyte and Samar throwing up waves as high as 4.5 metres, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

President Benigno Aquino warned Filipinos of an impending calamity and urged people to take all possible precautions.

The typhoon is said to be category-five level powerful, which has damaged power and phone lines, and grounded air and sea transport.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration have warned that more than 12 million people are at risk from the typhoon.

The typhoon has hit areas which are still recovering from a deadly 2011 storm and a 7.1-magnitude earthquake last month, the report added.