Philippines Prepare for Typhoon Lando (Koppu): Public Storm System Raised, Residents Warned of Possible Flooding, Mudslides

Sean Breslin
Published: October 15,2015

Typhoon Lando is moving toward the northern Philippines, and residents have been warned that the cyclone could bring torrential rain and the threat of flooding and mudslides for some areas.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration raised public storm signal No.1 in 13 provinces as Lando intensified Friday, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported. Officials asked fisherman to avoid venturing to several seaboards of Luzon and Visayas islands.
A landfall is possible on Luzon Island, though not a guarantee. Regardless, heavy rain will become dangerous this weekend as Lando impacts land.
(MORE: Check the Forecast for Koppu
The Manila Bulletin said residents in Baguio, Bangui, Aparri, Tuguegarao and Pagudpud have been warned to prepare for the possibility of major flooding as Lando, known internationally as Koppu, closes in. They've been asked to shelter away from areas that are susceptible to mudslides, the report added.

The Philippines' warning system has not yet been activated, Stars and Stripes reported, but that is likely to change over the next few days as the storm draws closer.
Emergency groups, as well as supplies, have been placed on standby, according to the country's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Several of the Philippines' islands have already been impacted by several tropical systems this year. Typhoon Ineng (Goni) killed at least 33 and led to the evacuation of nearly 400,000 as it hammered Luzon Island in August. In January, more than 100,000 residents were evacuated when Tropical Storm Amang (Mekkhala) hit southeastern Luzon and Samar, cutting short Pope Francis' visit to the nation.
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