Typhoon Koppu Heading to Philippines

The Philippines is preparing for Typhoon Koppu that is forecast to dump heavy rain and cause severe flooding when it arrives at the weekend.

On October 16, President Benigno Aquino warned people living in the path of Typhoon Koppu to be ready to evacuate.

In a TV address, Benigno Aquino said the storm could bring up to 12 hours’ torrential rain and cause severe flooding.

It was Benigno Aquino’s first such appeal since Typhoon Haiyan struck in 2013, leaving more than 6,000 people dead.

Typhoon Koppu is due to hit the northern island of Luzon early on October 17.

Forecasters say it is packing winds of up to 115mph and is slow moving, meaning it could bring intense rain over a long period of time.

In his address, Benigno Aquino urged the estimated six million people in the typhoon’s direct path to listen to government warnings and be ready to evacuate their homes if necessary.

He said aid agencies had already distributed emergency supplies to evacuation centers.

The state weather service warned residents on the east coast of Luzon to be ready for possible storm surges of more than 6ft.

Meanwhile, the Philippine military in northern Luzon has been placed on alert for disaster operations.

Typhoon Koppu, also known as Lando, is not due to leave the Philippines until October 20, when it will be heading towards Taiwan.

In November 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan – the strongest storm ever recorded on land – swept into the Philippines, destroying entire towns and leaving more than 6,300 people dead and more than 1,000 missing.