ReliefWeb

This is OCHA Flash Update #2 on Typhoon Haiyan in relation to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Palau.

Tropical Storm Haiyan was upgraded to a Typhoon overnight and continues to intensify. Haiyan is currently moving at 33 km/h west-northwest. The latest forecast brings the centre of Haiyan about 120 km south of Yap Island in FSM late this afternoon (UTC/GMT +10 hours). Maximum sustained winds have increased to 194 km/h with typhoon force winds extending 50 km from the centre and tropical storm force winds extending a further 100 km outwards.

A map showing the typhoon’s track is available here.

FSM

A typhoon warning is in effect for Ngulu Island (6) with destructive winds of 120 km/h expected by this evening. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Yap Island (7,371), while a watch remains for Fais (294) and Ulithi (847) in Yap state, FSM.

In FSM, the storm has passed the islands and atolls of Chuuk state with no damage reported. In Yap state, the Disaster Coordination Office has reported minor inundation and damage to banana and breadfruit trees on Ifalik, Woleai and Eaurpik. One canoe house and three residential properties were also damaged on Eauripik. Further information on the extent of damage will be available once initial damage assessments are conducted.

A map showing initial damage reports to islands and atolls in FSM is available here.

Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRCS) has begun preparedness activities and has one container of relief items and trained volunteers in Yap. IOM remains on standby in Yap with personnel and contingency supplies.

Palau

A Condition 2 warning of typhoon and tropical storm force winds within 24 hours is effective for the Republic of Palau. There is a typhoon warning in effect for the northernmost island of Kayangel (76) and a tropical storm warning for Koror (11,655). The current forecast suggests Haiyan will pass nearest to Kayangel and Koror at approximately 3:00AM Thursday morning (UTC/GMT +9 hours). Heavy rainfall of 150mm is expected tonight and Thursday morning with flooding possible in low-lying areas. Coastal areas are also at risk of inundation with swells of up to six metres.

The Palau Government has activated its National Emergency Committee, including Ministries and local NGOs, and advised residents of Kayangel to evacuate. The Palau national hospital has discharged non-critical patients and is evacuating critical patients to a clinic on higher ground. Only essential government services will be operational and all schools are closed until Friday with the buildings available for use as emergency shelters. In Koror, over 10 evacuation centres opened this morning for residents to take shelter. Despite the current calm weather, many people are heeding warnings and are boarding up properties and buying food items, water and emergency supplies in local stores.

Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS) is mobilizing and briefing volunteers (approx. 50). PRCS is also preparing assessment forms, public information messages and relief items, such as water containers, towels, blankets, and radio equipment.

IFRC will have a total of four personnel in Palau in the next 24 hours who can be used for surge support if required.

The next flash update will be issued around 7 November 2013.

For further information:

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
NOAA Guam Forecast Office

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