Philippines ? Super Typhoon Megi today became the strongest cyclone in years to lash the northern Philippines with huge waves, strong rains and ferocious winds that toppled electricity poles, drowned one man and triggered massive emergency preparations.

Thousands of people have sought shelter while authorities warned millions of residents and rice farmers along the typhoon’s path to look out for damage to crops, homes and power lines. Flood-ravaged areas of China and Vietnam were also bracing for more rains from the powerful storm.

Megi packed sustained winds of 140 miles per hour and gusts of 162 mph as it made landfall midday today at Palanan Bay in northeastern Isabela province, and was losing some of its power while crossing the mountains of the main northern island of Luzon.