MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine authorities issued an urgent appeal on Saturday for residents in low-lying areas and coastal towns to move to safety as super typhoon Man-Yi gained strength on its approach towards the country's main Luzon island.

The storm was packing destructive winds with speeds equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. Forecasters warned of a “potentially catastrophic” situation.

Tropical cyclone Man-yi has strengthened into a super typhoon, threatening to bring intense rains and high waves on the Philippines’ main island that’s still reeling from a string of storms in recent weeks.