'Super Typhoon' Durian Intensifies Over Eastern Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Officials suspended school classes in Manila and nearby provinces Wednesday after Typhoon Durian gained strength as it barreled toward an eastern Philippine island.

With sustained winds of 119 miles per hour and gusts of up to 140 mph the cyclone — named after a pungent fruit native to Southeast Asia — has become a super typhoon, said chief weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz.

Cruz said officials approved his recommendation to suspend Thursday's classes in metropolitan Manila and four nearby provinces. Classes already have been suspended on the island province of Catanduanes, where the typhoon is expected to slam ashore Thursday morning, and in five other eastern provinces with the highest storm alerts.

More than 25 provinces and the Philippine capital, Manila, are under storm alerts.

Moving westward at a relatively fast 15 mph, Manila or the region just south of it could be battered by the typhoon Friday morning.

Antonio Golez, deputy chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, said all local governments and agencies in the affected areas have been alerted for emergency operations.

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