ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION
Philippine authorities evacuated almost 150,000 people from their homes and shuttered financial markets, government offices, businesses and schools on Wednesday (July 16) as typhoon Rammasun gathered strength and hit the capital, Manila.
The typhoon, the strongest to hit the country this year, has already torn through eastern islands, toppling trees and power lines and causing blackouts. On Wednesday (July 16), it brought storm surges to the Manila Bay area and prompted disaster officials to evacuate slum-dwellers on the capital's outskirts.
Powerful gusts and heavy downpour battered Manila as it uprooted trees and sent small debris flying. Power was cut in most of the area and some major roads were impassable due to the cluttered debris.
Flooding was also reported in some low-lying areas, city officials said.
Typhoon Rammasun was gusting up to 185 kph (115 mph) on Wednesday with sustained winds of 150 kph (93 mph) near i
