Manila (17 October 2015) - Typhoon Koppu (locally known as “Lando”) has maintained its strength as it approaches Northern Philippines with maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph. Koppu is moving at a slow pace and is expected to bring heavy to intense rainfall within its 600-km diameter. The typhoon is expected to make landfall between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
State weather bureau PAGASA has raised public storm warning signal number 3 over four provinces: Aurora, Quirino, Isabela and Polillo Island. Koppu will also bring moderate to heavy rains to 33 other provinces including Metro Manila.
According to PAGASA, storm surges of up to 2.0 meters are possible at coastal areas under storm signal number 3, as open sea wave height can go up to more than 14.0 meters.
Because of Koppu’s slow movement due to high-pressure areas and the presence of Typhoon Champi behind it, the affected provinces have high possibility of experiencing intense rainfall, flashfloods and landslides. The Philippine Government has advised the people that will be affected to prepare and evacuate.
CARE is closely monitoring the typhoon situation and coordinating with UNOCHA, the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council and international non-government organization networks in Manila.
CARE emergency staff in Manila, and partners in Northern Luzon are ready to respond if needed.
“Our emergency team is ready to make rapid assessments in affected areas on the immediate needs of the affected people after the landfall. We will be ready to respond if needed,” said Tess Bayombong, CARE Philippines’ Program Director and Acting Country Director.
CARE has worked in the Philippines since 1949, providing emergency relief when disaster strikes and helping communities prepare for disasters. CARE's past responses in the Philippines have included typhoon Bopha in 2012 and typhoon Ketsana in 2009. CARE is also presently assisting Haiyan-affected communities helping through livelihoods recovery assistance.
CARE's emergency response teams specialise in providing life-saving assistance. CARE has more than six decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance when a crisis hits, and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed.
Media Contact:
Dennis Amata, Info and Communications Manager, CARE Philippines
Tel: +63 917 510 8150
E-mail: [email protected]