DHAKA: A powerful typhoon has hit the north-east Philippines, in Cagayan province, killing two people and cutting electricity supplies to many parts of the region.

Warnings of flash floods, landslides and storm surges forced thousands of people to higher ground, reports bbc.com

Noul is the strongest storm to hit the Philippines so far this year.

The storm, with wind speeds of 220km/h (137mph), is expected to move towards Taiwan and Japan on Tuesday.

The Philippines sees frequent extreme weather - more than 7,000 people were killed when Typhoon Haiyan struck in 2013.

Two men were electrocuted on Sunday while fixing the roof of their house in Aparri town.

However, authorities said they did not expect high casualty numbers as most people had followed evacuation orders.
A satellite image of Typhoon Noul showed it approaching the Philippines

"They've learned their lesson from past storms," said Norma Talosig, the regional civil defence director.

BDST: 0956 HRS, MAY 11, 2015
RS