MANILA, Philippines >> Philippine officials say fishermen and villagers in landslide- and flood-prone areas have been warned to take precautions as a powerful Pacific typhoon blows toward the country’s south.

Government forecaster Aldczar Aurelio says Typhoon Bopha was 540 miles off southern Surigao del Sur province today with sustained winds of 115 miles per hour and gusts of 124 mph. The storm may still strengthen over sea and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday (Monday Hawaii time).

Benito Ramos, who heads the government’s disaster response agency, says provincial officials have placed food packs and other emergency equipment in areas where the typhoon may pass.

Ramos says evacuations of villagers may be carried out as it becomes clear where the typhoon will hit.