Typhoon Koppu begins battering the Philippines

Powerful typhoon Koppu has begun battering the northern Philippines – whipping up coastal surges, destroying homes and displacing some 10,000 people.

There were no immediate reports of casualties but the category four typhoon, with torrential rain and gusts of more than 200 kilometres an hour, is slow moving and could be around for days.

Koppu made landfall at around 1 a.m local time on Sunday near the town of Casiguran in Aurora province.

Already there are reports of flooding, mudslides, damaged roads and bridges and power lines and trees toppling over. Some 10,000 people have been displaced in northeastern Luzon, the country’s main island.

Typhoon #Koppu is lashing the Philippines. Over 6 inches of rain in spots; much more to come: http://t.co/g7ax2iCYZN pic.twitter.com/XvOQeTqd29— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) October 18, 2015

Authorities said 30 flights and ferry services in the north were grounded. Some commuter bus services were suspended due to threats of lands