24 Jul 2018 | 07:01 PM UTC
Philippines: Tropical cyclones intensify monsoon rains, affecting thousands
Recent tropical cyclones intensify monsoon rains in Philippines, leaving several people dead as of July 22; additional heavy rain and flooding forecast in the coming days
Event
Recent monsoon rains in the Philippines have affected some 700,000 people across multiple provinces as of Sunday, July 22. The intensity of the monsoon rains has been amplified by tropical cyclones; Tropical Depression Josie, while out of the Philippine area of responsibility as of Monday, July 23, left at least 19 people dead and is forecast to augment monsoon rains over Ilocos Region and the Western Visayas, as well as the island of Mindoro and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Palawan, and Batangas in the coming days.
Additionally, another tropical low-pressure system (potentially developing into Tropical Depression Karding) is also forecast to exacerbate monsoon rains over Luzon and the Visayas in the near-term. Further heavy rainfall and consequent flooding, landslides, as well as associated transportation disruptions and power outages, are possible in affected areas in the coming days.
Context
Typhoons and tropical storms regularly strike the Philippines during the monsoon season - which typically spans from November to April in the northeast, and from May to October in the southwest.
Advice
Individuals in the Philippines are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders), follow local weather forecasts, and verify travel plans prior to setting out. In the event of flooding, 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.
