Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Mawar approaches the Philippines

This satellite image released by National Institute of Information and Communications Technology shows Typhoon Mawar approaching Philippine northern provinces on Monday. (National Institute of Information and Communications Technology via AP)

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine officials began evacuating thousands of villagers, shut down schools and offices and imposed a no-sail ban Monday as Typhoon Mawar approached the country's northern provinces a week after battering the U.S. territory of Guam.

The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kpm (96 mph) and gusts of up to 190 kph (118 mph) but is forecast to spare the mountainous region a direct hit. Current projections show the typhoon veering northeast toward Taiwan or southern Japan.