A new Category-5 Super Typhoon ‘Hagupit’ (local name: Ruby) is expected to make a landfall in the same areas that were devastated by Super Tyhoon Haiyan 13 months ago. CNN reports:

The strongest storm system so far this year bears down on the Philippines, terrifying residents still shaken by the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Haiyan last year.

Out over the ocean, the storm was displaying its formidable force, generating maximum sustained winds of around 287 kilometers per hour (178 mph), the equivalent of a strong Category 5 hurricane, according to the U.S. military’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

With Hagupit’s precise path still uncertain, Philippine authorities issued storm warnings for 56 of the country’s 81 provinces, covering around 70% of the country’s population of 100 million… (http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/04/world/asia/philippines-super-typhoon-hagupit/)

From The Philippine Star:

Storm surges up to four meters high are likely to hit coastal communities in Northern Samar and Leyte, including the capital Tacloban City, and possibly the Bicol Region and Surigao provinces, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). (http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/12/05/1399241/super-typhoon-ruby-storm-surge-alert)

And regarding the evacuation of Haiyan victims-survivors, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports:

At least 15,761 families in Tacloban and 3,000 in Eastern Samar started to evacuate on Thursday, two days before the expected landfall of [the super typhoon]. (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/654848/yolanda-survivors-rush-to-evac-centers)

Please pray:

1. That the Lord will spare the lives of many.
2. For grace, wisdom and strength for our mission team.
3. For the finances needed to serve those who will be affected by the super typhoon.