MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of people in typhoon-prone central Philippines have had their Christmas plans ruined after they were told to leave their homes as a severe tropical storm approaches. Officials on Christmas Eve said residents should evacuate coastal areas, and thousands more were stranded at ports with ferry services shut down as the nation hunkered down for rain and strong winds. Though much weaker, Ursula was tracking a similar path as Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan), the country's deadliest cyclone on record which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing in 2013. The state weather service said Phanfone , Laotian for "animal", may strengthen into a typhoon with sustained peak winds of more than 120 kilometres (62 miles) an hour overnight Wednesday. It advised residents, including those in Manila, to stay indoors on Christmas Day to avoid the high winds which can cause damage to weaker structures.

Source: Philippine Star December 24, 2019 06:56 UTC