Typhoon Rammasun: Philippines on Red Alert

Typhoon Rammasun, also known as Typhoon “Glenda,” is set to strike the Bicol region in the east of the country at 6:00pm (1000 GMT), with Manila and other heavily populated areas also expected to be hit early Wednesday, the state weather service said.

It will bring very strong wind with center winds of 120 kilometers per hour and gusts of 150 kilometers an hour.

The strong wind is expected to topple trees and electric poles, and may even rip roofs off poorly constructed houses.

The typhoon had a diameter of 500 kilometers and will cause a large amount of rain that could cause flash flooding and landslides.

People living in coastal areas in the Provinces of Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Northern Samar that is threatened by storm surges were ordered to evacuate their homes.

Schools in several cities were closed and about 50 domestic flights and four international flights have been cancelled, along with ferry services.

In Photos: Beautiful Rock Formations In Philippine

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION, Ilocos Norte
Not to be missed when visiting Burgos town in Ilocos Norte is the chalk-like monument proudly standing along its craggy coastline. Infiltrated and weakened by the ocean and wind, the rocks were uniquely carved by these natural artists and till now they continue to mold their creations. Though climbing this coastal wonder is now prohibited to save it from further corrosion, visitors can still admire Kapurpurawan’s beauty from a distance.

NAGUDUNGAN HILL, Cagayan
Blissfully resting on the island of Calayan, part of the uncharted Babuyan Islands – Nagudungan Hill is a true freak of nature! Hike up this wind-swept hill to get a breath-snatching view of the three coves: Caniwara, Sibang and Cababaan Coves. But the highlights of the climb here are the otherworldly rock formations; from the precipice lapped by ceaseless angry waves to the gigantic abyss plummeting into small caves. Best time to visit this place is from March to May to avoid being stranded on the island which is frequently battered by strong winds and typhoons.

BIRI ROCK FORMATIONS, Northern Samar
Composed of seven gigantic rock formations namely, Bel-at, Caranas, Pinanahawan, Magasang, Magsapad and Macadlaw, Biri Rock Formations were once buried over a span of millions of years but were eventually lifted by tectonic movements. These monuments have been weathered away by seawater, wind, cold and heat peeling away the rocks’ surfaces. Visitors can also swim and snorkel in the emerald green waters lapping around Bel-at and Caranas Rock Formations.

CAPE SAN AGUSTIN, Davao Oriental
Pummeled by strong wind and storms, Cape San Agustin is draped by spectacular craggy coastline dappled with interesting rock formations. This chalk-like monument sculpted by the forces of nature offers a spectacular view of the Celebes Sea and its surroundings. Also, don’t miss “The Islet”, another incredible rock formation soaring out of the seafloor, this is where the Celebes Sea and the Davao Gulf meets.