Philippines: Thousands evacuate in Luzon ahead of Mangkhut landfall Sep. 15 /update 3

Event

Thousands of people have evacuated coastal areas in Luzon as of Friday, September 14, ahead of the impending landfall of Typhoon Mangkhut (also known as Ompong). As of Friday morning (local time), the eye of the storm was located at approximately 15.4°N, 127.7°E, with the typhoon packing maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h (127 mph) and moving west-northwestward at 20 km/h (12 mph). Tropical cyclone warnings are in effect for parts of Luzon and Northern Samar (Eastern Visayas), notably including Isabela province (Luzon), which the storm is forecast to affect within 18 hours.

Mangkhut is forecast to make landfall over northern Luzon on the morning of Saturday, September 15. High winds, significant rainfall, and consequent flooding, transportation disruptions, and power and communications disruptions are to be expected in Luzon in the coming hours and days.

Context

Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the western Pacific from May through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the abovementioned regions are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. 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.