The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Megi hit land before 8:00 a.m. local time, Xinhua reported.

Megi is the first tropical storm to hit the Southeast Asian country in summertime this year.

Megi was blowing maximum winds of 75 km per hour and with gusts of up to 105 km per hour as of 10:00 a.m. local time Sunday.

The bureau said Megi maintained its strength while moving slowly westward over the coastal waters of Guiuan, a town in Eastern Samar province.

But some southern provinces of the main Luzon island are also drenched with heavy rains. “Heavy to intense with torrential rains over (these areas),” the bureau added.

The bureau urged vigilance to residents in these areas, warning of “scattered to widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides, and strong winds.”

The bureau also said the seaboard areas will experience rough seas, which can be risky to most sea crafts.

Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries, including active volcanoes, frequent earthquakes, and around 20 typhoons a year, causing floods and landslides.

RHM/PR