Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-yi) gathered more strength and is now a typhoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Typhoon Ofel (international name: Usagi) weakened sharply on Friday after bearing down on the Philippines' northern towns, blowing away houses in its path as authorities brace for another cyclone that could hit the capital Manila over the weekend.

PAGASA said Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (Man-Yi) has intensified significantly and is approaching typhoon strength, while Typhoon Ofel (Usagi) has begun to weaken as it moves over Luzon Strait early Friday,

Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-yi), which entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday evening, is forecast to make landfall on Saturday or Sunday, the state weather bureau said.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Typhoon Ofel weakened into a severe tropical storm. “TROPICAL CYCLONE UPDATE for Severe Tropical Storm OFEL {USAGI} #OfelPH and Typhoon PEPITO {MAN-YI} #PepitoPH as of 10:00 AM today,

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Thursday, Nov. 14 that Severe Tropical Storm “Pepito” (international name: Man-yi) could intensify into a super typhoon before making landfall over Central Luzon this weekend.

Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-yi) entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday night, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).