Typhoon Utor is about to hit the shores of the Philippines and is expected to cause heavy rains, floods and even landslides.

Utor, called 'Labuyo' locally, packs gusts of wind of up to 115 miles per hour (200 kph) and is headed for the eastern part of the country's Central Luzon region. According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the state weather bureau of the Philippines, Typhoon Utor is the strongest to hit the Asian country this year.

"This is forecast to be the strongest storm to make landfall so far this year," Vicente Malano, Pagasa weather bureau head, noted.

According to the Examiner, residents in the Philippines are already preparing for flash floods and rainfall that could reach 12 inches. As the typhoon moves towards the South China Sea, waves in the area are estimated at 30 to 40 feet.

According to reports, since Utor began its approach toward land, more than a dozen fishermen have gone missing, while other areas are already experiencing power interruptions due to floods.

The Wall Street Journal also notes that ferries in several ports in the country have already suspended sail, causing thousands of people to be stranded on the piers.

Classes have also been suspended in most areas in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. People in some provinces have also been forced to evacuate for safety precautions.

"Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas... are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides," Pagasa noted in an advisory.

According to ABC News Australia, Anna Lindenfors of Save the Children says they are already working on offering assistance to those affected by the typhoon.

"It's really about making sure people have access to the necessities of life. Keeping themselves warm, being able to cook a meal for themselves and the kids," Lindenfors noted.

The Philippines has been hit by several typhoons over years, including Typhoon Ketsana and Storm Washi in 2009 and 2011. Both caused millions in damages and killed thousands of people.

Map of Typhoon Utor as it hits the Philippines: