Typhoon Koppu Batters Philippines

Thousands of people have fled their homes as typhoon koppu swept into the northern Philippines, flattening homes and toppling power lines.

The huge, slow-moving typhoon made landfall near the town of Casiguran on the island of Luzon on Sunday morning.

The Head of Government’s Main Disaster Agency, Alexander Pama, said 10,000 people had been displaced in north-eastern Luzon, but no casualties have so far been reported.

“Initially, we heard that many houses were destroyed, power lines toppled and trees blocking major roads”, he said.

However, the Weather Bureau said the typhoon would remain over Luzon for three days due to a high pressure in the north and another typhoon in the northwest Pacific.

Governor of Quirino province, Junie Cua, said toppled electric posts and trees made it hard for emergency workers to reach isolated communities.

Meteorological services have predicted three days of torrential rains which are expected to trigger major flooding and possibly landslides.

Meanwhile, passengers were stranded at Manila Airport after flights and ferry services in the north were cancelled, and some bus services in mountain areas suspended due to the threat of landslides.

President Benigno Aquino made a televised warning on Friday, the first time since super typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which killed more than 6,300 people.