Tropical Storm Bilis Update

TAIPEI, July 12 (Reuters) - A tropical storm killed four people in the Philippines and was churning its way towards Taiwan where authorities on Wednesday issued sea and land warnings for strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical Storm Bilis, which is expected to strengthen into a typhoon, will likely make a direct hit on Taiwan on Thursday, Taiwan and Hong Kong weather authorities said. By 0900 GMT, the centre of the storm was about 420 km (260 miles) east of Taiwan and travelling northwest at 19 kph, with sustained winds of up to 90 kph and maximum gusts of 119 kph, Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau said. "The public should avoid entering mountainous areas and stay away from rivers and beaches," the bureau said in a statement. Four people were killed and two injured in Olongapo City northwest of the Philippine capital of Manila on Tuesday night when their house was crushed by a falling tree, police said. Bilis is the sixth biggest storm to hit the Philippines this year. Bilis Update