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Typhoon Maysak heads for Philippines

By Ed Adamczyk
Typhoon Maysak strikes the Federated States of Micronesia. Photo courtesy of National Weather Service
Typhoon Maysak strikes the Federated States of Micronesia. Photo courtesy of National Weather Service

HAGATNA , Guam, March 31 (UPI) -- Super Typhoon Maysak increased strength Tuesday as it moved westward over the Pacific Ocean toward the Philippines.

It struck several islands of the Federated States of Micronesia, southeast of Guam, during the weekend with over 10 inches of rain in six hours reported on the island of Chuuk.

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Widespread damage, including roofs torn from homes and the destruction of houses made of tin, was also reported. The Yap Islands, with a population of 12,000, were expected to receive sustained winds of 119 mph, the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, late Tuesday and early Wednesday, the U.S. National Weather Service in Guam said.

Maysak is then expected to head westward and strike the Philippines on Sunday or Monday with sustained winds of about 120 mph and gusts up to 150 mph.

"Its official track has it straight toward Luzon," said National Weather Service meteorologist Derek Williams, the Philippines' most populous island and the home of 48 million people.

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