Philippines: Typhoon Eiwiniar tracking northeastward over the Philippine Sea early May 27 /update 4

Typhoon Ewiniar (known locally in the Philippines as Aghon) is tracking northeastward over the Philippine Sea off the east coast of Cagayan Valley Region early May 27. The system made eight landfalls since late May 24 as it passed over the central Philippines, including over Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar Province late May 24; near Giporlos Municipality in Eastern Samar Province and Basiao Island and Cagduyong Island in Samar Province early May 25; two areas of Masbate Island in Bicol Region May 25; Marinduque Province in Mimaropa Region late May 25; and two areas of Quezon Province in Calabarzon Region May 26. As of 11:00 PHST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 230 km (143 miles) northeast of Manila.

Forecast models indicate that the system will strengthen further as it continues to track northeastward off the east coast of Luzon through May 27. The storm will strengthen further through May 28 before weakening to a severe tropical storm as it continues to track northeastward over the northwestern Philippine Sea south of Japan's Ryukyu Islands and southern mainland Japan May 29-31. 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 central and northern Philippines. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 is in effect over parts of Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon regions, and Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 is in place over most of the rest of Luzon. Severe and moderate general flood advisories (the middle and second lowest levels on a five-tier scale) are in place across much of the central and northern Philippines.

The storm has reportedly affected more than 19,000 people, with seven storm-related injuries and more than 5,300 people displaced. Power outages have affected dozens of municipalities and at least 22 homes are damaged. Damage assessments are ongoing in affected areas and it may take some time until the full extent of the storm's impact is confirmed.

Several domestic flights connecting Manila with Naga and San Jose remain canceled May 27. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has advised against nonessential maritime travel during the storm. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travel for all Quezon, Marinduque, and Romblon provinces vessels. Several ferry services also remain suspended, including those connecting Masbate City with Albay, Cebu, and Samar provinces. As of early May 27, nearly 6,000 passengers are stranded at ports across Bicol, Calabrzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa regions. Officials have canceled classes in parts of Laguna Province May 27.

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. Further 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.