Philippines: Recovery efforts ongoing as of April 13 following passage of Tropical Storm Megi /update 1

Event

Recovery efforts are ongoing in the southern and central Philippines as of April 13 following the passage of Tropical Storm Megi (known in the Philippines as Agaton). The country has experienced heavy rainfall since April 5 due to a low-pressure system. Tropical Storm Megi subsequently transited over the eastern Visayas Region April 10-12, causing widespread flooding.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geographical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) continues to warn of scattered rain over the Visayas and Bicol Region as well as Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Quezon, and Romblon provinces. Additionally, extreme (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) general flood advisories are in place for the Visayas and severe general flood advisories have been issued for the Bicol Region. Moderate general flood advisories are in effect over Calabarzon and Caraga regions. Authorities may issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days. Weather warnings could remain active even after the system's immediate threat has diminished, as some areas may still be highly susceptible to rain-induced hazards.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed that authorities preemptively evacuated more than 29,600 people in the Caraga, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas regions ahead of the storm's approach. More than 42,000 people remain displaced across the central and southern Philippines in 348 evacuation centers. Additional localized evacuations are possible if weather conditions prove particularly hazardous. NDRRMC reported 453 areas that have experienced flooding or flash flooding in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga regions. The adverse weather has affected 179 roads, seven bridges, and 41 seaports. Due to hazardous sea conditions, more than 8,700 people were stranded at ports across the Visayas and Mindanao areas; most ports resumed operations early April 13 except for the Ports of Escalante and Sagay in the Western Visayas Region. Reports indicate damage to 341 houses, power outages in 69 cities, and water supply disruptions in three cities.

Local authorities reported 51 fatalities in Eastern Visayas Region, including 48 from Baybay City, Leyte Province, as well as three fatalities each in Negros Oriental Province in Central Visayas Region and the Davao Region. The death toll is likely to rise as rescue operations continue.

Due to heavy rain and flooding, authorities declared a state of calamity for Davao de Oro Province and the Municipality of Cateel in Davao Oriental Province April 8 and for Trento Town in Agusan del Sur Province April 10. Authorities have also declared a state of calamity in Cebu City, Cebu Province, and in Baybay City, Leyte Province, April 11. Reports indicate mobile and broadband outages in several areas of Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, and Southern Leyte provinces.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain as responders continue their efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions in affected areas. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for flooding. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration