Philippines: Disruptions ongoing nationwide as of Nov. 3 following passage of Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across the Philippines as of Nov. 3 following the passage of Tropical Storm Nalgae. The storm has caused casualties, widespread flooding, and damage. Recovery operations are ongoing in many areas to restore road access and other essential services.

The storm made landfall over Batangas Province in the Philippines the afternoon of Oct. 29, with earlier landfalls over the southern tip of Catanduanes Island and Camarines Sur Province the same day. Officials in the Philippines have declared a state of calamity in Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Authorities have confirmed 150 fatalities and 128 injuries as of Nov. 3, with the most casualties from BARMM and Maguindanao Province. At least 36 others remain missing. The death toll could rise as search and rescue operations progress. Officials could declare additional states of calamity over the coming hours and days.

The tropical storm has affected at least more than 2.4 million people, as emergency crews preemptively evacuated more than 347,000 people in Luzon and Visayas. As of Nov. 3, more than 975,000 people remain displaced across 4,024 evacuation centers. Authorities have closed 27 national roads in BARMM, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, and Soccsksargen due to landslides, flooding, and damage. The Manila Electric Company has restored power to most areas, though supply remains unavailable to more than 13,000 customers in Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Metro Manila, Quezon, and Rizal. All affected airports have resumed operations, but 68 seaports across the region remain closed as of Nov. 2. Schools remain suspended in some regions, including Amulung, Antique, Cavite, Cotabato, Hagonoy, Laguna, Masantol, and Tuguegarao.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain as emergency crews continue recovery 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.