Manila, Batangas brace for Typhoon Hagupit

These Manila residents are bracing for the worst, at a temporary shelter... as powerful Typhoon Hagupit churns closer to the Philippine capital.

The storm has killed at least 27 people on Samar Island, leaving homes flattened, trees scattered across roads and power cut.

This, after last year's ruthless Typhoon Haiyan, has prompted a warning from San Juan mayor Rodolfo Manalo.

(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) MAYOR OF SAN JUAN MUNICIPALITY, RODOLFO MANALO, SAYING:

"I urge everyone to take due diligence and prepare for anything, because if we don't take care of ourselves, all of our preparations will be useless."

Local authorities have already evacuated entire towns and villages in coastal and landslide prone areas in the storm's path.

And while it's is expected to diminish in power, Manila and Batangas Province have battered down, awaiting Hagupit's arrival.