Philippines: Disruptions due to Typhoon Doksuri ongoing across northern and central regions as of July 27

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across northern and central Philippines as of July 27, following the passing of Typhoon Doksuri (known in the Philippines as Egay). The center of the storm passed through the Babuyan Islands early July 26.

Initial reports indicate five fatalities in Benguet Province due to landslides and another fatality in Isabela Province due to falling debris. At least five others died in Batangas, Rizal, and Ilocos Sur provinces due to flood waters. Ilocos Norte Province declared a state of calamity July 26.

Flooding and landslides are also affecting parts of the region, and officials have estimated that more than 328,000 people are affected by the storm across the country. Authorities preemptively evacuated more than 6,700 people, while the system has displaced more than 26,690 people. Crews have restored electrical supplies to most of the country, but power outages are still affecting parts of Abra, Benguet, and Ilocos Sur provinces. Flooding and landslides have made at least 13 national roads in northern Luzon impassable, while hundreds of minor roads are also likely affected. At least 400 homes sustained damage.

Officials have suspended sea travel across northern and central Philippines; more than 11,000 people, including passengers in Bicol, Calabarzon, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, and Mimaropa regions, are stranded. Airlines have canceled flights connecting Manila with Basco, Laoag, and Masbate July 27, and dozens of other flights across the country through July 28. Authorities have confirmed that 25 airports in Luzon were affected by the typhoon. Officials temporarily suspended operations at Laoag International Airport (LAO), while Tuguegarao Airport (TUG) suffered a power outage. Authorities also suspended classes in parts of northern and central Philippines since July 25.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is maintaining Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 over Batanes, northwestern Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, and northern Ilocos Norte provinces, and Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 over Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, the rest of Ilocos Norte, the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Abra, Benguet, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, northern Aurora, northern Nueva Ecija, and northern Tarlac provinces. PAGASA has also warned of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of rainfall across Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Batanes provinces and Babuyan Islands July 27. The southwest monsoon enhanced by the storm is forecast to continue bringing monsoon rains over the western portions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon over the coming days.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain in affected areas 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 will probably be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

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. 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. Prepare for possible communication disruptions, including mobile phone and internet services.

Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect-borne and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)