Rescue equipment and relief goods prepared as the Philippines braces for Typhoon Koppu

MANILA, Philippines – Officials say they have readied disaster relief personnel, equipment and goods as the Philippines braces for Typhoon Koppu, which is forecast to make landfall this weekend in northern Isabela province.

Government weather forecaster Adzar Aurelio said Friday that the typhoon was packing winds of 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour with gusts up to 160 kph (99 mph). It was still 550 kilometers (340 miles) west of the Philippines but moving steadily toward land.

Aurelio says that as Koppu moves closer to land its winds will likely to intensify to 185 kph (115 mph). It may hit land Saturday evening or early Sunday, and could stay in the country for several days, dumping moderate to heavy rains.