Typhoon closes in on Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Forecasters say a strong typhoon is headed to the northern Philippines, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people living on the slopes of a rumbling volcano.

Typhoon Noul is packing sustained winds of 160 kilometers (100 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 195 kph (122 mph) midday Saturday. It is blowing toward Isabela province on the main island of Luzon.

After hitting land, it is expected to veer north toward southern Japan.

Government forecaster Fernando Cada says heavy rains are expected within a 100-kilometer (63-mile) radius from the eye of the typhoon.

About 300 people evacuated from a village near a volcano to avoid muddy debris from explosions earlier this week.