MANILA >> A slow-moving typhoon may set off heavy rain, flash floods and landslides in the mountainous northern Philippines before gaining strength and barreling toward Taiwan.

Philippine government forecaster Raymund Ordinario says Typhoon Nanmadol is swirling 183 miles east of northeastern Aurora Province Thursday with sustained winds of 74 mph and gusts of 93 mph.

Ordinario says the typhoon may not hit land but is expected to bring heavy rains with its wide cloud band and slow movement. Villagers in low-lying areas have been warned about possible floods and landslides.

Nanmadol is the 13th of 20 expected weather disturbances to hit the disaster-prone Philippines this year.