Powerfultyphoon hitsPhilippines

Thousands sought shelter while authorities warned millions of residents and rice farmers along the typhoon’s path of possible damage to crops, homes and power lines.

Weather forecaster Robert Sawi said the eye of the typhoon made landfall at midday local time at Palanan Bay in Isabela province. As it crossed the main northern island of Luzon, Mr Sawi warned of possible floods and landslides, particularly in the Cordillera mountains.

Flood-ravaged areas of China and Vietnam were also braced for more rains from the powerful storm.

Megi was expected to move on towards southern China, which has already evacuated more than 100,000 people from villages because of earlier flooding, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

With its ferocious wind and heavy rainfall, Megi has become the most powerful typhoon to hit the Philippines in four years.