SCREENGRAB from the website of Accuweather.com
With Typhoon “Lando’s” (international name: Koppu) track, an international weather website predicted that it would cause “dangerous” flooding and landslides in the coming days.
“Typhoon Koppu will put lives and property across Luzon Island of the Philippines in danger this weekend and early next week,” a report from Accuweather.com posted on Friday morning (Thursday night Eastern time).
READ: ‘Lando’ intensifies into typhoon; Signal No. 1 up in 13 provinces
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Lando could make landfall early Sunday in Aurora-Isabela area. It is expected to intensify further until then.
At landfall, it could also slow down which would bring more threats of flooding and landslides.
“[Lando] is expected to make landfall, but how quickly it turns north will determine the duration of life-threatening conditions for northern Luzon. While damaging winds are a concern, the greatest threat will be life-threatening flooding from days of torrential rainfall,” Accuweather.com’s report said.
Quoting AccuWeather meteorologist Adam Douty, the report said that Lando will bring 300 to 600 mm (12-24 inches) of rain and is expected to be “widespread.”
“Such rain is sure to trigger severe and life-threatening flooding and mudslides,” Douty was quoted as saying.
Most of the rain will pour in the mountains of Luzon.
READ: Stronger ‘Lando’ heads for Luzon
In Metro Manila, Pagasa said moderate to heavy rains are expected over the weekend when Lando would be closest to the city.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had been placed on blue alert ahead of Lando’s expected landfall.
Pre-disaster risk assessment meetings were also held in preparation for the typhoon. RAM