Agencies alerted as typhoon approaches

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government alerted today the concerned agencies as Typhoon Huaning became stronger as it moved towards the northern part of the country.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) directed its regional offices to undertake precautionary measures in their area of responsibility.

It also advised the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to "initiate pre-emptive evacuation of families in low-lying and mountainous areas if situation warrants. "

In the 5:00 p.m. weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the typhoon was located at 1,570 kilometers east of Basco in northern province of Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph. It was forecast to move west at 20 kph.

The state-weather forecasting agency said that Soulik was expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday morning and will be locally codenamed as Huaning.

Typhoon Soulik would not have any direct effect on any part of the country until Wednesday, PAGASA said.

However, Soulik would enhance the southwest monsoon and would bring rains on the western part of the country starting Thursday afternoon, it added.