The Philippines endures about 20 storms annually, many of them deadly, but authorities warned Nesat was one of the largest to hit the country this year with its rain and wind path twice as big as average storms.
"This typhoon is very wide in diameter, about 650 kilometres (400 miles), and covers most of (the main island of) Luzon," Science Undersecretary Graciano Yumul, who supervises the country`s weather bureau, told reporters.
Nesat hit the northeastern side of Luzon before dawn, bringing maximum sustained winds of up to 140 kilometres (87 miles) an hour and gusts clocking in at 170 kilometres an hour.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said a baby died when he fell into a swollen river in the eastern province of Catanduanes.
Four other people were missing and there were fears the death toll would rise throughout the day.
The agricultural provinces of Isabela and Aurora were the most heavily affected initially, although storm alerts were also hoisted in over 40 other areas, including the capital Manila, the state weather bureau said.
The presidential palace announced the suspension of all classes and work for government agencies in Manila and other affected areas.(*)
AFP/H-RN
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
