Typhoon Haiyan is battering the central Philippines with sustained winds of 314 kilometres an hour. Meteorologists say that if initial estimates based on satellite images are borne out, it could be the most powerful storm ever to make landfall. Officials say the storm has forced millions to seek shelter in 20 provinces and at least three people have died. The region was already struggling to recover from a powerful earthquake last month. The authorities have warned that more than 12 million people are at risk from the storm.