MANILA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Typhoon Phanfone barrelled central Philippines on Tuesday, bringing "violent winds" over Eastern Samar and Leyte provinces, the Philippine state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Phanfone, which strengthened from a severe tropical storm into a typhoon, hit land at 4:45 p.m. local time in Eastern Samar province.

"The eyewall of the typhoon is bringing violent winds over the southern portion of Eastern Samar (province) and is likely to affect Biliran town, the southern portion of Samar province, and the northern portion of Leyte province in the coming hours," the state weather bureau said.

PAGASA said Phanfone is moving west at 25 kilometers per hour. As of Tuesday afternoon, the weather bureau said the typhoon was packing sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts of up to 150 kph.

Phanfone will hit several provinces south of Manila, including the Bicol region and the central Philippines.

"Residents in these areas are advised to take appropriate measures to reduce the potential impact of flooding and rain-induced landslides, especially in areas identified to be highly to very highly susceptible to these hazards," the bureau said.

The bureau also warned that the typhoon could trigger a storm surge of up to 2 meters, especially in the coastal areas.

The typhoon wrecked the holiday plans of Manila-based Filipinos who make use of the long Christmas and New Year vacation to spend time with their loved ones in the provinces.

Thousands of air and sea travelers were stranded on Christmas eve at airports and seaports, ruining plans for family reunions. Residents of flood-prone areas in the affected regions were forcibly evacuated to safer areas leaving behind their homes.

On average, this archipelagic country experiences 20 typhoons every year, some of which are intense and truly devastating. Enditem

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