THE Hampshire Filipino community is bracing itself for the impact of a typhoon currently sweeping across the Philippines.

More than half a million people have fled coastal areas as Typhoon Hagupit has started to cause havoc. Sustained winds of more than 100mph have been reported and gusts of 130mph.

Trees have been toppled along with powerlines while coastal areas are being threatened by a powerful sea-surge.

It comes a year after Typhoon Haiyan left the country devastated with millions of people losing their homes and a death toll of more than 10,000 people.

In Hampshire hundreds of Filipinos are keeping a close eye on the latest news, with many glued to the TV screens and regularly keeping in contact with family members.

President of the Filipino community in Hampshire – Alvin Agbay – says that the community is ready to respond but they do not yet know how serious the impact of the typhoon will be.

He said: “I hope that everything is OK because they say that the winds have dropped down. But we are ready if it is as bad as Haiyan.”

Mr Agbay, 41, from Springford Road, is keeping in touch with family members who live south of Manilla, to find out how bad it is.

He said: “I am worried because my family are still there. I’m keeping a close eye on everything.”

Last year the community raised thousands of pounds and also donated two containers worth of clothing to help those affected.