Tropical Storm Lando (Koppu) in the Western Pacific has grown to a Category 2 Typhoon today as it heads toward the northern Philippine island. Philippines President Benigno Aquino III warn Filipinos on national television today to prepare for torrential rains, high winds, and widespread flooding in the north. The Typhoon is expected to make landfall this weekend before turning north toward Taiwan.

Typhoon Lando will be the 12th storm to hit the Philippines this year. An average of 20 storms hit the country annually.

With medical supplies prepositioned in the region, Direct Relief  staff in the Philippines will carefully monitor the storm over the weekend, and respond if necessary.