19 Dec 2017 | 01:51 PM UTC
Philippines: Storm Kai-Tak kills 43, dozens missing /update 4
Tropical Storm Kai-Tak (Urduja) leaves at least 43 people dead and dozens missing as of December 19; widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and evacuations reported
Event
As of Tuesday, December 19, the death toll from Tropical Storm Kai-Tak (known as "Urduja" in the Philippines), which weakened into a tropical depression on Monday, is at least 43, with dozens more missing in the central Philippines. Among the areas most affected by the storm are the provinces of Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, and Biliran. Heavy rainfall prompted significant flooding and landslides throughout the region; consequent widespread power outages, transportation disruptions (including flight and ferry disruptions), and evacuations have been reported in affected areas. Landslides in Biliran province left dozens of people dead and several others missing after the storm struck the area on Saturday. About half of the 100,000 people that fled to emergency shelters had not returned home as of December 19.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a tropical cyclone "Signal No. 1" warning on December 18 - indicating that winds of 30-60 km/h (19-37 mph) were expected in the next 36 hours - for Palawan province. The storm is forecast to continue to move west-southwest into the South China Sea in the coming hours.
Context
Typhoons and tropical storms regularly strike the Philippines during the monsoon season - which spans from November to April in the northeast, and from May to October in the southwest. On average, roughly 20 typhoons and tropical storms hit the country each year.
Advice
Individuals present in the Philippines are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. 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 over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
