A disaster official in the state of Yap says there's not much that can be done to avoid the impact of Maysak, which is quickly becoming a supertyphoon.
Maysak is due to make landfall on the two tiny atolls of Fais and Ulithi late this afternoon, and it is tracking to the north of Yap, but could make landfall at midnight or early tomorrow, local time.
Winds of up to 250 kilometres per hour are expected.
Typhoon Maysak Satellite Image Photo: www.wunderground.com
Pius Talimeisei says people could start tying down their corrugated iron roofs but it's best to go to concrete buildings such as the church, the dispensary or elementary schools.
"It's going to be dangerous for people to be near the water, so they should all try to stay in the shelter until we inform them that it is safe. The only safe place they can seek is the church, the dispensary and the elementary schools, those are the only safe shelters that are safe for them. There's nothing much we can do for them at this end, we are hoping for the best."
Pius Talimeisei says the supertyphoon could hit Fais at 4pm local time today.