Authorities in the Philippines are preparing for the worst as a typhoon is set to hit the nation's capital and nearby areas. Typhoon Mirinae, packing gusts of up to 185 kilometres an hour and carrying vast amounts of rain, is forecast to hit the eastern edge of the main island this night. Manila's 12 million residents and that of nearby areas have been warned to prepare enough emergency provisions for 72 hours. Philippine President Gloria Arroyo had also ordered evacuation of areas that might be hit by landslides and flashfloods. Ferry services were cancelled in parts of Luzon and authorities warned people against travelling today night and tomorrow