Philippines: Tropical depression hits Visayas, Mindanao, Palawan Jan. 2 /update 1

Event

Tropical Depression Agaton (also known internationally as Bolaven) struck the Philippines on Tuesday, January 2, leaving at least two dead in Cebu province and forcing 5000 people to evacuate and seek emergency shelter. The storm made landfall in Soccoro and Claver (Surigao del Norte province), Jagna (Bohol province), Santander (Cebu province), Bais City (Negros Oriental province), and Palawan province on Tuesday.

Flooding caused by the storm was reported in the Visayas and Mindanao, and landslides affected Cebu province and in Iligan City (Lanao del Norte province), among other areas. Widespread power outages were also reported in Southern Leyte and Cebu provinces. Consequent transportation disruptions and lingering power outages are expected in the affected areas in the coming days.

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 others 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.