Cyclone Crising to hit Philippines

Cyclone Crising is set to make landfall in Philippines' Samar island on Saturday, weather officials announced.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), on Saturday released on its website a Severe Weather Bulletin stating that Crising is expected to make landfall in the afternoon, Efe news reported.

The bulletin warns of moderate to heavy rainfall, landslides and flash floods in the storm's path which would see it move northwest across the country and towards Manila.

People in Bacoor village were seen reinforcing their shanties, storing potable water and taking their fishing boats to higher ground.

Some fishermen rushed to their shellfish farms to collect any available clams or oysters in case strong waves accompanying the storm destroyed the farms.

Crising is estimated to pack winds of 30-60 kph.

Winds in Manila were getting stronger Saturday and maintenance workers were seen dismantling large billboards in the capital to prevent the storm from tearing them down.

--IANS

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