Philippines: Disruptions ongoing across many parts of the country as of Nov. 18 following passage of tropical systems

Disruptions are ongoing across many parts of the Philippines as of Nov. 18, following a succession of tropical systems moving across the region over recent weeks. The worst of the impacts have occurred in northern and central regions; however, effects from the storm have been recorded in 17 of the country's 18 regions in recent weeks. Six storm systems have made landfall or passed close to the country since Oct. 24: Tropical Storm Trami (named Kristine in the Philippines) made landfall in Divilacan Town, Isabela Province, at around 00:30 Oct. 24; Tropical Storm Kong-rey (named Leon in the Philippines) made a close approach to northeastern Luzon Oct. 30-31; Tropical Storm Yinxing (named Marce in the Philippines) passed over the north coast of Luzon Nov. 7; Typhoon Toraji (named Nika in the Philippines) made landfall near Dilasag in Aurora Province early Nov. 11; Typhoon Usagi (named Ofel in the Philippines) passed over far northeastern Luzon and past the northern island regions of the Philippines Nov. 14; and finally Super Typhoon Man-yi (name Pepito in the Philippines) made landfall over Catanduanes Island late Nov. 16 and Dipaculao in Aurora Province the afternoon of Nov. 17.

The storms have affected millions of people and caused casualties and damage affecting many areas of the country, especially parts of Luzon and Eastern Visayas. More than 550,000 people remain evacuated following the latest three storms that impacted northern and central regions Nov. 11-17. Dozens of roads and bridges remain impassable, primarily across the Cagayan Valley Region, and power outages and other utility disruptions are ongoing across hundreds of affected municipalities. Schools and businesses remain closed in hundreds of locations across Bicol, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Ilocos regions. Authorities have confirmed eight fatalities during the passing of Man-yi (Pepito) and 23 people injured combined in the latest three storms, following 159 fatalities and 132 injured combined following Trami (Kristine) and Kong-rey (Leon) and one fatality and one person injured during the passing of Yinxing (Marce). More than 230,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed across the six storms. Flights, ferry services, and other transport networks have been consistently affected during the passing of the storm systems but are generally operating as normal as of Nov. 18, except in areas where severe storm damage has occurred.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are certain in affected areas as emergency crews continue recovery efforts. Further utility outages will likely occur over the coming days and weeks, and shortages of fuel and other essential goods are probable.

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