Philippines: Evacuations ordered as Tropical Depression Amang approaches Bicol region

Event

On Sunday, January 20, as Tropical Depression Amang approaches the Bicol region (Camarines Sur and Albay provinces), authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for people living in the area, which is likely to be affected by floods and landslides. Amang was expected to make landfall in mainland Surigao del Norte or Siargao Island by the evening (local time) of Sunday, January 20, before reaching Leyte province, on the afternoon of Monday, January 21, and Lapu City on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 22. Since Sunday, January 20, weather warning were issued in several provinces, including, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, eastern Bohol, northern Cebu, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Camiguin.

Context

Camarines Sur and Albay provinces are still recovering from heavy flooding and landslides following the passage of the Tropical Depression Usman on December 29 that hit Eastern Samar and left dozens of people dead and 200,000 others affected. The Philippines typically experiences approximately 15-20 tropical cyclones annually from April through December.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, and avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas.