Typhoon Koppu slams into northern Philippines
Typhoon Koppu has hit northern Philippines, destroying houses and forcing thousands of people from their homes.
The powerful storm struck near the remote town of Casiguran in Aurora Province at about 1:00 a.m. local time on Sunday (1700 GMT on Saturday), bringing destructive winds of 175 kilometers per hour (109 miles per hour).
The category-four typhoon, which has so far left no casualties, tore down trees, caused landslides and floods while toppling power and communication lines.
"There are still no reports of casualty, thank God," said Alexander Pama, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, who added, "Initially, we are getting many houses were destroyed, power lines toppled and trees blocking major roads."
According to officials, over 9,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in northeastern Luzon, the country's main island, with more expected to leave to stay safe.
The Philippines’ weather bureau said Koppu would not leave Luzon for three days due to a high pressure in the north and another storm in the northwest Pacific.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council reported landslides and floods elsewhere in northern Luzon that cut off roads and bridges.
Pama said ferry services across the island have been suspended and 30 flights grounded.
"I must emphasize that this is just the start. People must remain alert while we try to pick up the pieces in areas already hit," he added.
The Philippines witnesses an average of 20 storms every year, with many of them deadly and destructive.
Super Typhoon Haiyan has so far been the deadliest and strongest as it demolished entire towns in the central islands in November 2013. More than 7,350 people were left dead or missing due to the storm.
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