Philippines: Tropical Storm Hato (Isang) nears the Batanes August 21

Event

Tropical Storm Hato, also known as Isang in the Philippines, has maintained its strength and speed while approaching the northernmost islands of the Philippines on Monday, August 21. The storm is moving near the Batanes and Babuyan island groups, and may make landfall in the Batanes in the late evening on Monday, August 21, or early hours of Tuesday, August 22. Hato is also expected to trigger heavy rain to the southwest in Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bical, and the Visayas. The Philippines weather authority issued an advisory warning that sustained winds up to 65 km/h (40 mph) and gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph) are expected. Associated flooding and/or landslides may also occur.

Context

The Philippines is regularly exposed to typhoons and tropical storms during the monsoon season - which spans from November to April in the northeast, and from May to October in the southwest. During the 2016 monsoon season, two typhoons and one tornado hit the Philippines. No casualties were reported, but severe flooding and mudslides followed torrential rains.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities, to keep abreast of the situation via local media, and to be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock an adult over.​