UN prepares for 'Ruby' emergency response

MANILA, Philippines - The United Nations (UN) is preparing to respond to emergencies as Typhoon 'Ruby' (international name: Hagupit) barrels through the Philippines.

"The typhoon is forecast to follow a course north of the one followed by Typhoon Haiyan last year," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. "The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction said that Typhoon Hagupit has triggered one of the largest evacuations ever seen during peace time in the country."

Dujarric said the United Nations Children's Fund in the Philippines has activated full preparedness mode to assist affected children and families, while the World Food Programme had its food stocks available and staff on standby.

"Some 10 million people in the central Philippines are at risk of flooding, storm surges and strong winds, with more than 30 million people potentially feeling the impact of the typhoon," Dujarric said.