Philippines readies for landfall of Typhoon Haiyan

MANILA, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Filipino officials said they suspended classes and readied evacuation centers in preparation for the landfall of Typhoon Haiyan.

The typhoon, which will be renamed Yolanda once it enters the Philippines, is expected to make landfall Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Officials have identified "typhoon-proof" school buildings as evacuation centers, and have prepared food packs and medicine, the Philippine Daily Inquirer.net reported Wednesday.

The Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council ordered local governments to establish contingency plans and monitor warning systems.

"When the [typhoon] enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the [local government units] should advise the local fisher folks and local vessels and residents in the coastal barangays about the no sailing, no fishing policy," the council said in a statement.