MANILA – Typhoon Haima (international name) intensified as it inched closer to the Philippines, putting the northern part of the country still recovering from the onslaught of a recent typhoon at risk of being battered once again.

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said Haima was about to enter the Philippine area of responsibility, at which point it will be locally named ''Lawin.''

PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz said the approaching typhoon is much stronger than typhoon Karen, which made landfall over Aurora province early Sunday packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph).

PAGASA said Haima, as of 4 p.m. Monday, was already packing maximum sustained winds of up to 175 kph near the center and gusts of up to 215 kph.

Loiz said Haima could grow stronger in the coming days as it approaches the Philippine landmass.

Loiz said rains may begin to be felt by October 19.

Haima, moving west northwest at 24 kph, was expected to make landfall over Cagayan Area on Thursday, October 20, and then cross over Ilocos Norte and Apayao.

Haima will exit the PAR on Friday, October 21.