Super typhoon prompts Philippines warning

The Philippines has declared a state of calamity in a northern province after super typhoon Megi hit on Monday.

The weather front has cut off power and communications, forcing flight cancellations and putting the region's rice crop at risk.

Megi is the 10th and strongest typhoon to hit the islands this year and is a category five super typhoon.

Winds of more than 155 mph hit mountains in northeast Luzon at 0325 GMT on Monday.

There have been reports of power cuts and destroyed crops. Initial reports were of one death and a small number of casualties.

Television footage showed uprooted trees on roads, and metal and thatched roofing blown off houses.

The Philippines is the world's biggest rice importer and damage from the typhoon could see it buy more than had been expected for 2011, which could push up international prices.