Strong winds knocked out power and forced thousands of people to evacuate as Typhoon Rammasun hit the central Philippines.

The typhoon, also known as Glenda, struck the main island of Luzon with gusts of up to 185km/h (115 mph).

Authorities said at least four people had been killed by the storm.

Officials said the eye of the storm passed south of the capital, Manila, but the severe weather brought it to a standstill.

Residents were forced to evacuate their homes in some areas because of the severe weather

Government offices and schools were shut on Wednesday while flights were cancelled.

More than 370,000 people, mostly in the eastern province of Albay which was the first to be hit by the typhoon, had been evacuated, the Philippine National Red Cross said.

Town halls had been converted into shelters and evacuees had also been taken to schools and gymnasiums

(Source: BBC)