Typhoon Noul

MANILA: Heavy rains and strong winds flattened houses on coastal areas as typhoon Noul crashed into the northeastern tip of the Philippines, killing two people and prompting more than 3 000 residents to move to shelters.

The typhoon weakened slightly after hitting land, with winds of 160km/h near the centre and gusts of up to 195km/h as of today, the weather bureau said.