UN agencies prepare emergency response for typhoon in Philippines

UNITED NATIONS: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said Friday that Typhoon Hagupit, also known as Ruby, is expected to cross the center of the Philippines over the weekend, and UN agencies are making preparations for emergency response before the massive storm lands in the island country.

"The typhoon is forecast to follow a course north of the one followed by Typhoon Haiyan last year," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) said that Typhoon Hagupit has triggered one of the largest evacuations ever seen during peace time in the country."