Typhoon Mawar Spares Major Cities, Prompts Mass Evacuations As It Skirts Philippines Coastline

Typhoon Mawar is approaching the northern provinces of the Philippines with winds up to 118 mph, prompting officials to evacuate thousands and suspend schools.
The typhoon is forecast to spare mountainous regions a direct hit but could still cause dangerous flooding and landslides.
Emergency responders are on alert for potential rescue operations as Mawar passes the northernmost province of Batanes.
The Philippines faces around 20 typhoons each year and is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries.
Flights and sea travel have been cancelled in the typhoon's path while rains may impact Manila and central Philippines.