Philippines: Typhoon Mangkhut makes landfall in Baggao Sep. 15 /update 4

Event

Typhoon Mangkhut (known locally as Ompong) has made landfall over Baggao (Cagayan province) on Saturday morning (local time), September 15, bringing winds of up to 205 km/h (130 mph) with the possibility for storm surges of up to 6 m (20 ft). Local authorities have issued its second highest alert level - signal four - for Cagayan, northern Isabela, Apayao, and Abra provinces. The storm is forecast to continue moving west, reaching Hong Kong by Sunday before hitting southern China on Monday. High winds, significant rainfall, and consequent flooding, transportation disruptions, and power and communications disruptions are to be expected in the abovementioned areas 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.