Powerful typhoon hits north Philippines as thousands evacuated

Rescuers run as they check residents living in the district of Tondo (Aaron Favila/AP)

A powerful typhoon slammed into the north-eastern Philippines on Sunday and was barrelling across the main Luzon island toward the capital in a densely populated path where thousands have been evacuated to safety.

Typhoon Noru hit the coastal town of Burdeos on Polillo Island in Quezon province shortly before nightfall.