Philippines: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across much of the country as of Jan. 24 /update 7

Event

Flooding and associated disruptions are ongoing across much of the Philippines as of Jan. 24. A combination of low pressure areas, the Northeast Monsoon, and shear lines have led to heavy rainfall across much of the country since Jan. 1 and resulted in widespread flooding and numerous landslides. As of Jan. 24, authorities have reported at least 39 fatalities associated with the adverse weather across the Philippines and at least five other people remain missing. Nearly 2 million people have been affected across 14 of the country's 17 regions and more than 116,000 people remain displaced, of which more than 88,000 are being accommodated in 316 evacuation centers across the Philippines. Around 1,780 homes and dozens of other buildings have been damaged or destroyed. More than 300 roads and 65 bridges have been affected by the adverse weather.

Further adverse weather is forecast over eastern regions in the coming days. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather advisory warning that a low pressure area to the southeast of Davao City will bring light-to-moderate with at times heavy rain over Eastern Visayas and Caraga regions Jan. 24-25. As of Jan. 24, PAGASA has issued the following flood advisories across the Philippines:

• Severe general flood advisories (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale): Much of Caraga, Davao, and Northern Mindanao regions.

• Moderate general flood advisories: Parts of the Bangsamoro, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Eastern Visayas, Mimaropa, Soccsksargen, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA)