Thousands evacuated as the Philippines, Vietnam brace for powerful typhoons

MANILA, Philippines (AP) Officials in Vietnam and the Philippines are stepping up evacuations of coastal villages ahead of two powerful typhoons.

Hundreds of thousands of people are being moved to safer ground.

One typhoon is expected to hit the Philippines tomorrow. The other is on track to slam ashore in Vietnam, that nation's seventh major storm this season..

The twin evacuations involve nearly 400,000 people.

In the South China Sea, which separates Vietnam, the Philippines and China, 25 Filipino sailors are missing after their fishing boat capsized. A Chinese maritime official says 30 other crew members were rescued and search teams were dispatched.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-23-07 0453CST | save this article / add to your favorites list