Philippines: Flooding caused by tropical storm Nesat (Gorio) July 28

Event

Tropical storm Nesat, also referred to as Gorio in the Philippines, brought torrential rain to the country on Thursday, July 27, prompting widespread flooding in the capital Manila. Schools, government offices, and businesses were closed on Thursday, July 27, and roads were inundated, disrupting traffic. Flights were also temporarily halted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).

Luzon and the Western Visayas are the most affected. The Philippines weather authority issued flood warnings at around 15:00 (local time) Friday, July 28, for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, the National Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon, Bicol, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. The advisory warns that sustained winds of 105 km/h (65 mph) and wind gusts of up to 130 km/h (80 mph) are to be expected.

Context

The Philippines is regularly exposed to typhoons and tropical storms during the monsoon season - which spans from November to April in the northeast, and from May to October in the southwest. During the 2016 monsoon season, two typhoons and one tornado hit the Philippines. No casualties were reported, but severe flooding and mudslides followed torrential rains.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities, to keep abreast of the situation via local media, and to be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock an adult over.

On a separate note, individuals present in the Philippines should note that some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to Western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to ongoing terrorist activity and regular clashes between the military and insurgent groups.