Dark grey clouds formed over Manila this afternoon as Typhoon Ambo made landfall in the country.

The storm, with international name Vongfong, struck Eastern Samar province at 12:15 p.m, bringing gusts of up to 180kmph. Strong wind and heavy rain blew over trees and rattled homes inthe coastal region.

While hundreds of miles away in the capital Manila, storm clouds formed and downpours began as residents braced themselves for the torrential weather.

Eastern Samar and nearby provinces earlier suspended public and private work due to the typhoon that is expected to bring violent winds and heavy rains.

Typhoon Ambo is the first typhoon to hit the country this year in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Millions of locals are still reeling from the economic problems caused by the coronavirus . Many now face being evacuated into shelters amid fears the storm could inflict severe damage.