The Philippines is busy preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Koppu as it edges ever closer. Flights have been cancelled and people have been evacuated from areas prone to flooding. Those living by the sea or in low-lying areas of land are asked to move to safer areas.
President Benigno Aquino urged the people of the Philippines to co-operate with the authorities. “I must emphasise (that) each local government unit, community, and Filipino that will be affected has the duty to cooperate … to overcome the challenges ahead,” he said.
Typhoon Koppu is slowly moving west and due to make landfall on Saturday night. It is expected to bring with it wind speeds of up to 100 mph (160 kilometres per hour) as well as a half a metre of rain. The risk of major landslides and flooding is very high.