Typhoon Koppu triggers landslides and flash floods

Manila, Philippines - Typhoon Koppu (local name Lando) is slowly moving west north west with 130 kph winds at the centre and gusts of up to 160 kph. Albeit downgraded, storm signal warnings are still up in 25 areas including Metro Manila.

Monday classes are suspended in Metro Manila and in neighbouring provinces while government are closed in regions 1-3 in northern Luzon.

Koppu continues to bring heavy rains and fierce winds in the Cordillera and Ilocos regions and is expected to weaken and stay inland until Wednesday before exiting Philippines on Saturday, Oct 24.

Authorities report that around 5,852 families are safely evacuated from disaster-prone mountainous and coastal areas and in rural farming communities.

Bebeth Tiu, World Vision’s Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director shares, “World Vision recognizes the government’s preparedness efforts to lessen the impact of typhoon Koppu. We are ready to provide support working closely national and local agencies, NGOs, donors, partners and the UN Humanitarian Country Team should the government requests for assistance.”

The typhoon’s impact will be fully known in the coming days as government disaster units work to clear blocked roads to access hard hit areas. The government has prepositioned 128M (est USD 2.78 M) standby funds and prepositioned relief supplies.

Authorities report that around 5,852 families are safely evacuated away from disaster-prone areas in mountainous and coastal areas and in rural farming communities. Flash floods and landslides brought by relentless rains hamper government rescue and clearing efforts. Government first responders braved overflowed roads and bridges, bringing stranded people to safety.

"We are concerned of the farming families whose crops have been affected by the storm. This can hurt family livelihoods leaving lower-income families and children more vulnerable."

Aurora’s hardest hit coastal towns of Casiguran, Dinalungan and Dilasag are reportedly isolated. Isabela capital of Ilagan has been declared under state of calamity with the rest of the province reeling from huge livelihood losses due to flood-hit rice and corn fields.

World Vision communicator Joy Maluyo in Isabela shares, "We are concerned of the farming families whose crops have been affected by the storm. This can hurt family livelihoods leaving lower-income families and children more vulnerable.” Read blog by Joy Maluyo from the ground.

World Vision has prepositioned supplies for 2000 families composed of hygiene kits, kitchen sets, tarps, ropes, and other non-food supplies. World Vision program areas in Isabela and Pangasinan in northern Luzon are serving more than 4,600 children supported by WVUS, WVDF-Philippines. The National Disaster Management Team (NDMT) in Luzon are on standby with 27 staff as first responders.

Damaged rice field.