Typhoon Rammasun batters central Philippines

Typhoon Rammasun battered the Philippines, bringing down trees and knocking out power 

 Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos have been left without power many have fled their homes as Typhoon Rammasun hit Luzon island. The typhoon, also known as Glenda, barrelled across the island with gusts of up to 185km/h (115 mph).

Authorities said at least 20 people had been killed by the storm.

Officials said the eye of the storm passed south of the capital, Manila, but the severe weather brought it to a standstill.

At least five people are still missing. Continue..

Government offices and schools were shut on Wednesday and flights were cancelled.

More than 370,000 people, mostly in the eastern province of Albay which was the first to be hit by the typhoon, had been evacuated, the Philippine National Red Cross said.

The storm is in the South China Sea and is expected to reach China by the end of the week.