Typhoon Kammuri - Nov 2019

According to the Philippines Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as of 10:00 local time on 29 November 2019, Tropical Storm (TS) Kammuri is approximately 1,430 km east of the southern Luzon, moving northwest. PAGASA reports that Kammuri currently has maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the centre and gustiness of up to 170 kph. Longer range models predict it could intensify to a category 4 typhoon. On entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), which is estimated between 1 and 2 December 2019, it will be locally named “Tisoy”. (IFRC, 29 Nov 2019)

According to the Joint Analysis of Disaster Response (JADE) conducted by the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), WFP and OCHA, more than 9 million people are expected to be affected by Typhoon Kammuri and experience moderate or higher wind damage. Out of the total number of people affected, 3 million are living in areas expected to be seriously affected and will likely require humanitarian assistance. Out of those, an estimated 1 million people (about 300,000 children under 15 years; 612,000 adults; 50,000 elderly over 65 years) are considered highly vulnerable based on pre-existing socioeconomic indicators. (OCHA, 2 Dec 2019)

Tropical Cyclone KAMMURI (TISOY in The Philippines) made landfall over the north-east Mindonoro Island, close to Naujan City on 3 December with maximum sustained winds up to 210 km/h. One death has been reported in Bicol Region and around 225,000 people were evacuated across southern Luzon. Schools are closed throughout Manila, as well as Manilla's main airport. Damage was also sustained to Legazpi City airport. KAMMURI will move across north Mindonoro Island with maximum sustained winds up to 155 km/h, before weakening as it reaches the South China Sea. A warning signal level 3 remains in effect over Mindonoro Island and southern Calabarazon. Extreme flood warnings have been issued for Bicol and Eastern Visayas while severe flood warning for north-eastern Mimaropa and central Calabarazon. (ECHO, 3 Dec 2019)

As of 4 December, the media has reported 13 fatalities. In addition, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported that over 495,400 people have been evacuated (of which more than 458,000 have sought shelter inside evacuation centres and over 37,300 are outside evacuation centres). Infrastructure and buildings have also been affected, with reports of almost 40 houses have suffered damage from the storms, in addition to 12 roads and 3 bridges. More than 520 flights have been cancelled, while 865 municipalities have suspended classes. (ECHO, 4 Dec 2019)

While Tropical Cyclone KAMMURI (TISOY in The Philippines) continues to weaken as it moves south-west over the South China Sea, the Philippines has sought to recover from the storms. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 34 people have been injured, and almost 8,750 houses have been damaged, in addition to 135 schools. Approximately 20 roads and 20 bridges have been closed. (ECHO, 5 Dec 2019)

According to the NDRRMC's latest bulletin on 9 December, 360,765 families (1,560,463 people) have been affected; of which 18,322 families (80,068 people) are inside 450 evacuation centres, and 3,456 families (15,163 persons people) are outside evacuation centres. A total of 5 deaths and 322 injured persons were reported in Regions CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, and VIII. (Gov't of the Philippines, 9 Dec 2019)

The latest bulletin from the Government of the Philippines reported that more than 1,992,100 people across almost 4,200 barangays have been affected by Typhoon Kammuri, with more than 50,000 people being sheltered in approximately 190 evacuation centers. It is estimated that about 8,700 people are currently staying with relatives and/or friends. Approximately 455,820 houses have been damaged from the Typhoon. Almost ₱49,690,000 worth of assistance has been provided for affected families. (Govt. of the Philippines, 12 Dec 2019).

As of 24 December, reports state that more than 2,361,300 people have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Kammuri, in over 4,300 barangays across Regions III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, VIII, CARAGA and CAR. Almost 22,400 have taken shelter in more than 90 temporary evacuation centres, while it is estimated that 70 people are currently staying with relatives and/or friends. Approximately 561,850 houses were damaged in the storms. A total of ₱92,686,357.28 worth of assistance has been provided to affected families. (Govt. of the Philippines, 24 Dec 2019).

As of 2 January 2020, the goverment reported 46,286 people taking temporary shelter in 129 Evacuation Centers(ECs), while 70 people are served outside ECs. (Govt. of the Philippines, 2 Jan 2019)