Tropical Storm Sibyl - Oct 1995

On 30 September 1995 Tropical Storm 'Sibyl' hit the eastern part of the country with 95 kms per hour near the center and gusts up to 120 kms per hour. The storm's rainfall and winds affected a wide area of the Philippine archipelago from the northern tip of Mindanao Island through most of the Visayas islands and parts of Luzon, including manila and central Luzon provinces. The storm affected 32 provinces including Pampanga, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Laguna, Marinduque, Quezon, Batangas, Cavite, Albay, Antique, Cebu, Leyte, Siquijor, Bukidnon and the national capital region. Widespread floods occurred in most of the affected provinces resulting in landslides in Bukidnon and Laguna and very heavy mudflows which rose up to several meters and inundated populated towns in Pampanga. Initial official reports indicate a total number of 35 dead. (UN DHA, 3 Oct 1995)

Operations conducted by government and NGOs to provide relief to victims of lahar mudflows continue. No new lahar mudflows have been triggered as no heavy rainfall has occurred since Tropical Storm Sibyl (local code name Mameng) in early October. 22,200 families or 106,000 persons are accommodated in 302 evacuation centres. Some parts of Pampanga province remain flooded affecting 76,000 families. (UN DHA, 16 Oct 1995)