MANILA: The strongest typhoon to threaten the Philippines in recent years menacingly roared toward the country's north Sunday, prompting thousands of villagers to flee to safety and sparking massive emergency preparations. Typhoon Megi (local name “Juan”) had sustained winds of 225 kilometers per hour and gusts of 260 kph by nightfall but could strengthen as it moves west at 22 kph over the Philippine Sea. The state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it is now on red alert as the super typhoon is expected to make landfall Monday.With its ferocious wind, Megi has become the strongest typhoon to threaten the country in four years, government forecasters say. A 2006 howler with 250-kph winds set off volcanic mudslides that buried entire villages, killing about 1,000 people. Weather officials issued the highest of a four-tier public storm alert for Cagayan and nearby Isabela province, warning of pounding rains and fierce wind that could significantly damage agriculture, residential areas, power and communications. They urged all outdoor activities to be canceled and advised one family member to stay awake overnight for any contingency. Thousands of military reserve officers and volunteers were on stand by, along with helicopters, said Benito Ramos, a top disaster
