Philippines: Tropical Storm Sanba forecast to strike February 13

Event

Tropical Storm Sanba (known as "Basyang" in the Philippines) is expected to make landfall in the Caraga region (Mindanao) of the Philippines on Tuesday, February 13. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Sanba was located approximately 620 km (385 mi) east-southeast of Hinatuan (Surigao del Sur province) as of 10:00 (local time) on Monday, February 12, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and moving west-northwest at 22 km/h (14 mph).

The storm is expected to intensify in the coming hours, and bring heavy rains to parts of the central and southern Philippines; roughly 20-30 cm (8-10 in) of rainfall is expected in the affected areas (with localized higher amounts) through early on Wednesday, February 14. Winds of 61-120 km/h (38-75 mph) are also expected to whip Surigao del Sur province before or by Wednesday morning. Consequent flooding, and associated landslides, transportation disruptions, and power outages are particularly expected in the Visayas and Mindanao in the coming days.

Context

Typhoons and tropical storms regularly strike the Philippines during the monsoon season - which typically spans from November to April in the northeast, and from May to October in the southwest. On average, roughly 20 typhoons and tropical storms hit the country each year.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas of the Philippines are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. 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 over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.