Widespread flooding and landslides complicate rescue efforts in the Western Pacific, after Typhoon Koppu makes landfall in the Philippines.
Classified as a hurricane in some parts of the world, including here in the U.S., a typhoon is a tropical storm that forms in the region of the Indian or Western Pacific Oceans.
Typhoon Koppu made landfall on the island of Luzan in the Philippines over the weekend, with winds reaching the equivalent of a strong category four hurricane.
The slow moving storm produced winds up to 150 miles per hour and caused lots of damage, with heavy rainfall. As of Tuesday, eleven deaths have been blamed on the storm. And unfortunately, forecasters say the rain is far from over for the Philippines.
Koppa, which has been downgraded to tropical storm, is turning around and going back over the area. Officials there worry this could result in more flooding and mudslides…and major agricultural damage.
Instructional Links
Website Article/Maps: From Hurricane to Typhoon: What Happens When Tropical Cyclones Cross the International Date Line?
Maps/Diagrams/Pictures: How do hurricanes form?