It is the first time on record that more than three tropical storms have occurred at the same time in November in the region.

Two separate storms are set to hit the Philippines and Taiwan at the weekend as the western Pacific Ocean sees its most storm-active November in more than seven decades.

The Philippines is on alert for another dangerous storm system as it recovers from the aftermath of Typhoon Usagi.

A super typhoon sweeping towards the Philippines on Saturday was intensifying and could have a "potentially catastrophic" impact, the state weather forecaster warned, with millions of people at risk from storm surges.

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.