Philippines: Typhoon Quinta (Molave) makes landfall on San Miguel Island (Albay province) October 25 /update 1

Event

Typhoon Quinta, known internationally as Molave, made landfall in the vicinity of San Miguel Island (Albay province) during the evening of Sunday, October 25. Quinta made a number of additional landfalls as it moved westward, most recently at Pola (Oriental Mindoro province) and as of 05:00 (local time) on Monday, October 26, the typhoon was located near Socorro (Oriental Mindoro province). Quinta currently has sustained winds of 124kph (77mph) with gusts of up to 180kph (112mph). Some 9,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the passage of Quinta. Authorities have received reports of damaged roads and bridges, in addition to flooding and landslides. Sea travel has also been suspended due to dangerous sea conditions. Weather warnings for cyclone winds are currently in place for a number of areas, including Metro Manila. A full list of areas currently under weather warnings in relation to Quinta can be found here.

Typhoon Quinta is expected to strengthen further as it moves into the South China Sea. It is currently forecast to make landfall in central Vietnam around Wednesday, October 28.

Strong winds and heavy rainfall could result in flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transport, businesses, and utilities as the storm system passes.

Context

Tropical depressions, storms, and typhoons typically hit Eastern Visayas as well as Southern, Central, and Northern Luzon during the typhoon season between June and November. However, a number of storm systems in the past years have also affected Central and Western Visayas, as well as eastern, northern, central, and western Mindanao, and have reached the country outside the typhoon season. Local meteorologists attribute these changes to climate change. In general, approximately 19 storms and typhoons enter the country's area of responsibility every year, and PAGASA reports that at least six weather systems make a direct landfall.

These storm systems have the potential to unleash heavy downpours and powerful winds, as well as trigger a major storm surge that pose considerable hazards to human life and infrastructure. Despite a credible risk, the Philippines has inadequate preparedness and crisis response that increases the impact of storm systems on human communities, strategic infrastructure as well as travel and service delivery.

Advice

Those in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.