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OCHA Flash Update FSM & Palau | Tropical Storm Haiyan (31W)

Tropical Storm Haiyan (31W) is currently tracking west-northwest at 25 km/h across the northern Pacific and is expected to develop into a typhoon as it passes over Yap state in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Palau in the next 12-24 hours.

Parts of Yap are likely to receive maximum sustained winds of 65 knots (120 km/h) to 110 knots (200 km/h), heavy rainfall and a two to three metre storm surge by Wednesday afternoon through to the evening. Warnings are in effect for the islands and atolls of Satawal (501), Faraulep (193), Ifalik (578), Woleai (1,039), Eauripik (114), Fais (294), Ulithi (847) and Yap (7371). Reports suggest that Haiyan is similar to Typhoon Sudal in its intensity which struck Yap in 2004 causing damage to 90 per cent of structures.

Similar conditions are expected south to Palau where a typhoon watch is in effect for Koror (12,000) to Kayangel (76), although Koror is not expected to bear the full brunt of the storm. Maximum sustained wind speeds are likely to be up to 120 knots (220 km/h) at the centre of the typhoon as it passes over Palau early Thursday morning.

The Palau National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) has issued special announcements since yesterday advising the public to tune into local radio stations and to stock emergency supplies for up to three days. NEMO have also recommended securing loose items around properties, boarding up windows and providing assistance to neighbours, particularly the elderly and disabled. Palau Government offices and schools will be closed from Wednesday 6 November to Friday 8 November.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with an office in Yap, has prepositioned stocks available, such as hygiene kits, medical, shelter, water, power and communications supplies.

OCHA Regional Office for the Pacific is in contact with NEMO and UN representatives in Palau and FSM and will provide further updates as they become available. A map showing the tropical storm’s track and possible population impacts is available at: https://www.phtpacific.org/content/ts-haiyan-5-november-2013

Haiyan is forecast to continue west and make landfall in the Philippines on Friday 8 November.

For further information:

Joint Typhoon Warning Center: http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC/ NOAA WSO Guam: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/guam/cyclone.php

Elisabeth McLeod, Public Information Officer, OCHA Regional Office for the Pacific, mcleode@un.org, Tel: +679 999 1423

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