megi

This from our local news: DAVAO Region can expect rain and nothing more from super-typhoon "Juan" (international name Megi), which is expected to make landfall Monday in Northern Luzon.

We are thankful that we are not in the path of the storm, but are praying for those in the North who face potentially huge losses today:

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Thousands of people in the Philippines have fled from their homes ahead of a powerful storm, Super-Typhoon Megi, which is expected to reach the north of the country early on Monday.

Megi, which has winds of up to more than 175mph, is the strongest storm the Philippines has faced this year.

Government forecasters say waves off the east coast could be greater than 46ft.

Thousands of soldiers and officers are on standby to deliver aid and rescue people stranded by the floods. (Below, Philippine National Police and volunteer rescue units practice search and rescue operations on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010)

Trucks, rescue boats and food packs have been pre-positioned near vulnerable areas, said Benito Ramos, a senior disaster-response official."This is like preparing for war. We know the past lessons and we're aiming for zero casualties."

Farmers in Cagayan, a rice- and tobacco-producing region of more than 1 million people about 250 miles northeast of Manila, have been warned to harvest as much of their crops as possible before Typhoon Megi hits.

With its current course and speed, the typhoon is expected to barrel across the northern tip of Luzon island then blow into the South China Sea late Monday toward northern Vietnam or southern China, weather bureau official Nataniel Servando said. (Below: tracking the storm)

Thanks to those of you who have expressed concern.

We are safe and dry.