Over 90,000 people flee as Typhoon Haima slams northern Philippines

A utility pole is partially submerged in a river after Typhoon Haima struck San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte in northern Philippines, October 20, 2016. REUTERS/Ezra Acayan

PAGUDPUD, PHILIPPINES (Reuters) - Super Typhoon Haima, the strongest storm to hit the Philippines in three years, ripped through major rice growing regions, damaging crops and houses, and forced more than 90,000 people to flee to safer ground, officials said on Thursday.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from Haima which hit the northern Philippines late on Wednesday with destructive 225 kmh (140 mph) winds and heavy rain.