MANILA, Philippines – At least one fisherman is reported missing and several towns in the northern and central Philippines are flooded as a slow-moving typhoon gains strength while drifting toward Taiwan.
Forecasters say Nanmadol is expected to become a super-typhoon later Friday with winds of up to 150 miles (240 kilometers) per hour as it hovers about 105 miles (170 kilometers) east of the Philippine coast.
TV footage showed farmers in northeastern provinces reinforcing dikes in rice paddies with sandbags while floodwaters swamped several towns.
The coast guard has grounded vessels and warned of waves about 16 feet (5 meters) high extending to Manila Bay.
An extended forecast track shows Nanmadol weakening slightly east of southern Taiwan by Monday morning.
