Philippines: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across central and southern regions as of Nov. 22. Further severe weather forecast. /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across central and southern Philippines as of Nov. 22. The towns of Jipapad and Arteche in Eastern Samar Province declared a state of calamity due to floodwaters, while officials in Northern Samar Province recommended putting the province under a state of calamity. Authorities confirmed that floods have affected more than 57,000 people across the Eastern Visayas Region and around 49,000 others across the Western Visayas Region. Floodwaters have also submerged 54 barangays in Eastern Samar Province, 31 in Capiz, 28 in Samar, 11 in Northern Samar, nine in Biliran, and one in Southern Leyte. A national road in Barangay Bigo in Arteche Municipality, Eastern Samar Province, is impassable due to flooding; numerous other local roads are also impacted. Officials have extended class suspensions in the Northern Samar Province through Nov. 22.

Further severe weather is forecast across parts of the central and southern Philippines through at least Nov. 24. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather advisory for heavy rainfall across parts of the affected region over the coming days due to a shear line, where cold air from the northeast monsoon or amihan converges with warm air from the Pacific Ocean. Rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are forecast in Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Biliran, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar provinces through Nov. 22 and 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) across the rest of the affected area through Nov. 24.

As of Nov. 22, PAGASA has also issued the following flood advisories across the Philippines:

• Extreme general flood advisories (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Bicol, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas regions.

• Severe general flood advisories: Western Visayas Region.

• Moderate general flood advisories: the rest of the affected area.

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

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 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.

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.