Typhoon Koppu hits Philippines

Homes have been flattened, rivers overflowed, and the roads are blocked by power pylons and trees which have fallen

Typhoon Koppu smashed into Casiguran in northern Philippines’ Luzon island around 1 am local time, bringing powerful winds and rain.

There are fears of heavy floods and landslips in the next three days.

“There are still no reports of casualty, thank God,” said Alexander Pama, executive director of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

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“Initially, we are getting reports that many houses were destroyed, power lines toppled and trees blocking major roads,” he said, adding that 10,000 people had been displaced in north-eastern Luzon, the country’s main island.

“It has slowed almost to a crawl. We’re hoping it would speed up and spare us sooner,” he added.

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Typhoon Koppu landed in Casiguran as a powerful Category 4 or 5 storm.

Homes have been flattened, power lines toppled, and thousands of people have fled their homes as Typhoon Koppu swept into the northern Philippines.

Homes have been flattened, rivers overflowed, and the roads are blocked by power pylons and trees which have fallen.