Philippines: Death toll rises to 47 following Typhoon Ursula December 30 /update 6

Event

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed in a report issued at 06:00 (local time) on Monday, December 30, that Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone) has caused the deaths of 47 people across four regions (Mimaropa, and Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas). A further 143 people were wounded, and nine are still missing. Local authorities expect the casualty count to rise as rescue operations continue over the coming days. Approximately 111,345 people are still spread across 602 evacuation centers on Monday, after Ursula made landfall on Tuesday, December 24, resulting in severe flooding and infrastructural damage across the country. The NDRRMC confirmed the restoration of power to 38 cities and municipalities out of a total of 153 cities and municipalities experiencing power outages. As of Monday, all flight operations have resumed after domestic disruptions left more than 15,700 passengers stranded. Residual transportation, power, and communication disruptions are anticipated in the coming hours and days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that Ursula had exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 09:50 on Saturday, December 28. According to PAGASA, Ursula is no longer causing significant heavy rainfall across any part of the Philippines, however, the meteorology agency continues to advise against sea travel due to rough sea conditions.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, to confirm flight reservations and to contact their airline for additional information, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.