Bicol residents were warned to prepare for a “potentially catastrophic and life-threatening situation” as Super Typhoon “Pepito” intensified further, with

Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-Yi) has strengthened as it approaches the northeastern Bicol Region, with PAGASA warning that it could bring "potentially catastrophic and life-threatening" damages.

MANILA – Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi) continues to threaten the northeastern Bicol Region, the weather bureau said in a 5 p.m. bulletin on Saturday. The cyclone packs maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph.

Signal No. 5 has been raised over Catanduanes as Super Typhoon Pepito further intensified, PAGASA said Saturday. In its 2 p.m. weather bulletin, the state weather bureau said Pepito poses "a potentially catastrophic and life-threatening situation for the Northeastern Bicol Region.