TYPHOON Haiyan is battering the central Philippines with sustained winds of 314 km/h (195mph).
Meteorologists say that if initial estimates based on satellite images are borne out, it could be the most powerful storm ever to make landfall.
The storm has forced millions to seek shelter in 20 provinces and at least three people have died, officials say.
The region was already struggling to recover from a powerful earthquake last month.
The authorities have warned that more than 12 million people are at risk from the storm – the equivalent of a category five hurricane – including in Cebu, the country’s second largest city with a population of 2.5 million.
Two people were electrocuted in storm-related incidents and another was killed after being struck by lightning, according to officials. Seven others were reported injured.
Reports say power and communications have been almost completely lost in the island provinces of Samar, Leyte and Bohol.
The storm – known locally as Yolanda – was not expected to directly hit the capital Manila, more than 600km (370 miles) to the north.
Mai Zamora, from the charity World Vision, in Cebu, told the BBC: “The wind here is whistling. It’s so strong and the heavy downpours are continuing.”
“We’ve been hearing from my colleagues in [the city of] Tacloban that they’ve seen galvanised iron sheets flying just like kites.”
Schools and offices closed, while ferry services and local flights were suspended. Hospitals and soldiers are on stand-by for rescue and relief operations.
The extent of the damage remains unclear, with authorities saying phone-lines are down in many areas.
The governor of the Southern Leyte province, Roger Mercado, tweeted on Friday morning that fallen trees were blocking roads, hampering the emergency effort.
Roxane Sombise, a resident of Tacloban, in Leyte, told the BBC: “I think our house is actually shaking… I just want it to stop.” BBC
