Philippines: Tropical Depression Jelawat tracking westward across Mindanao Island late Dec. 18 /update 2

Tropical Depression Jelawat (known locally in the Philippines as Kabayan) is tracking westward across central Mindanao Island late Dec. 18, having made landfall over Manay Municipality, Davao Oriental Province, early Dec. 18. As of 20:00 PHST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 33 km (21 miles) east-northeast of Davao City.

Forecast models indicate that the system will continue to weaken as it tracks westward across Mindanao and over Illana Bay late Dec. 18-early Dec. 19. The remnants of the system will likely make further landfalls over parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula Dec. 19 before dissipating over the Sulu Sea late Dec. 19. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming hours and days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of continued heavy rainfall across parts of the southern Philippines through Dec. 19; rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are expected over Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental. Severe general flood warnings (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) are in place over parts of Caraga, Davao, and Northern Mindanao regions and moderate general flood advisories over parts of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions. PAGASA has discontinued all Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals as of late Dec. 18.

As of early Dec. 18, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported more than 11,000 people in Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions were pre-emptively evacuated ahead of the storm system's approach. More than 6,000 people have been displaced and two houses have been damaged by the storm in Caraga Region. Power outages have been reported in three municipalities of Caraga Region and 124 people are stranded due to canceled ferry services. There have been no casualties reported associated with the passing of the storm.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.