Philippines: Cyclone Agaton to bring heavy rains Jan. 2

Event

Cyclone Agaton made landfall over Siargao Island (Surigao del Norte) at 01:00 (local time) on Tuesday, January 2. The tropical depression is forecast to cross the provinces of Cebu and Negros on Tuesday. Pagasa (the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) lifted storm signals in some provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao as Agaton continues to move west, but nine areas remain under signal Number 1 (the lowest on a five-level scale), namely Palawan (including Cuyo Island), Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Guimaras, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Southern Antique, and Southern Iloilo. These areas may experience 30 to 60 km/h (20 to 40 mph) sustained winds over the next day, along with heavy rains that might trigger flash floods and landslides.

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.

Between December 22 and 26, 2017, Tropical Storm Tembin (also known as Vinta) affected over 500,000 people and left at least 240 people dead and 170 other missing in the Philippines.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas of 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. ​