A powerful typhoon is lashing the northernmost islands of the Philippines, where officials are warning of “potentially very destructive” damage to coastal villages

Typhoon Krathon was last tracked over the coastal waters of Balintang island off the provinces of Cagayan and Batanes with sustained winds of up to 175 kph (109 mph) and gusts of up to 215 kph (133 mph),

Taiwan’s authorities shuttered some schools and canceled domestic flights as an intensifying Typhoon Krathon moves toward the island while bringing violent wind and rain to the Philippines.

MANILA: A powerful typhoon was lashing the northernmost islands of the Philippines Monday (Sept 30), prompting officials to evacuate villagers, shut down schools and inter-island ferries and warn of "potentially very destructive” damage to coastal villages.

Typhoon Julian (international name Krathon) continued to intensify early Monday, September 30 as it moves over the Balintang Channel, bringing violent winds and heavy rainfall to parts of Northern Luzon.

Tropical storm Krathon is headed for the Philippines as authorities place northern parts of the main Luzon island on alert, saying there’s a high chance of rapid intensification and the possibility it could become a super typhoon.