Stronger 'Odette' hits Batanes

MANILA, Philippines - Super typhoon "Odette" intensified as it made landfall in Batanes on Saturday morning, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that as of 8 a.m., the center of the typhoon was located based on satellite and surface data at 20 kilometers southwest of Itbayat, Batanes.

The typhoon was packing maximum winds of up to 215 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 250 kph. It was moving west northwest at a speed of 19 kph.

PAGASA said that if the typhoon maintains its speed, it may be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday afternoon.

The typhoon is headed towards Hong Kong and southern China, it added.

Public storm warning signal number 4 and 3 remains hoisted over Batanes and the Calayan Group of Islands, respectively. Signal number 2 is raised over Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.

Signal No. 1 is hoisted over Abra, Kalinga, Isabela, Northern Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province and Ifugao.

"Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under signals 4, 3, 2 & 1 are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas under signals 3 and 2 are alerted against storm surges," PAGASA said.