Gov't to implement forced typhoon-related evacuation

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government will implement forced evacuation in areas that are expected to be hit by typhoon Hagupit (local name Ruby), a senior government official said today.

Of the 80 provinces nationwide, 50 of them constituting 995 municipalities and 85 cities could be affected by the typhoon, said Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II during the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting.

The typhoon entered the Philippine area of responsibility early Thursday, according to the official.

He said forced evacuation will be carried out on Friday. All the local chief executives of the municipalities and cities affected have already been alerted.