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Southeast Asia: Typhoon Durian - Dec 2006

Disaster description

Typhoon Durian, known as "Reming" in the Philippines, made landfall at Catanduanes on 30 November before moving westward to Mindoro on 1 December, south of Manila. Durian achieved maximum sustained winds of 190 kph at its centre with gusts of up to 225 kph. (OCHA, 1 Dec 2006). On 5 December, the Philippines National Disaster Coordinating Council reported 526 people confirmed dead, 740 missing and 1000 injured with a total of 1,543,778 people affected in 125 municipalities and 10 cities spread through 13 provinces. (OCHA, 5 Dec 2006)

After leaving the Philippines, Typhoon Durian skirted the southern tip of Viet Nam. According to the UN RC's Office in Hanoi on 14 December 2006, at least 85 people were killed, 10 were missing and 1,360 people injured. Almost 50,000 houses collapsed, 195,000 were damaged and 806 boats sunk. The total economic loss was estimated at VND 7,314 billion (approximately USD 456 million). (OCHA, 14 Dec 2006)

An estimated 62 provinces were affected by the series of typhoons that swept through the Philippines at the end of 2006. The worst affected provinces were Albay, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes in the region of Bicol. (OCHA, 19 Jan 2007) In December, the United Nations and partners launched a Consolidated Appeal for assistance for the people affected by typhoons Durian and Utor, after which over 1,400 people were reported dead or missing. (OCHA, 23 Jan 2007)

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