Typhoon Haiyan, one of strongest storms ever, slams Philippines

The world's strongest typhoon on record has reportedly hit the Philippines' central islands with 380 kmph wind speed, leading to evacuations of millions of people to high ground and storm shelters in 20 provinces.

Super Typhoon Haiyan lashed the islands of Leyte and Samar throwing up waves as high as 4.5 metres.

President Benigno Aquino warned Filipinos of an impending calamity and urged people to take all possible precautions. The typhoon is said to be category-five level powerful, which has damaged power and phone lines, and grounded air and sea transport.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration have warned that more than 12 million people are at risk from the typhoon.

The typhoon has hit areas which are still recovering from a deadly 2011 storm and a 7.1-magnitude earthquake last month, reports said.

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Dark clouds hover over high rise buildings in Manila after typhoon Haiyan battered central Philippines on Friday

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Fishermen secure their boats in anticipation of the arrival of Typhoon Haiyan near Manila Bay in Bacoor, Cavite

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A volunteer packs rice inside a Department of Social Welfare and Development warehouse before shipping them out to the devastated provinces hit by Typhoon Haiyan in Manila

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A stranded passenger sleeps at the lobby of Ninoy Aquino International airport in Pasay city, metro Manila November 8 after nearly 200 local flights have been suspended due to Typhoon Haiyan

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Cebu Pacific airways planes park at the tarmac at Ninoy Aquino International airport in Pasay city, metro Manila after nearly 200 local flights have been suspended due to Typhoon Haiyan