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Philippines

OCHA Flash Update No. 2 Philippines | Typhoon Maysak (2 April 2015)

Typhoon Maysak (known locally as Chedeng) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility late in the evening of 1 April (local time), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). As of 2 April, 10 a.m., Typhoon Maysak was located 915 km east of Borongan, Eastern Samar province in central Philippines, with maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h, gusts of up to 210 km/h (Category 2), moving west-northwest at 19 km/h. It had a diameter of 760 km.

Following is a planning scenario based on information from the authorities:

Landfall: The typhoon is expected to make landfall over the eastern coast of Aurora or Isabela province of central Luzon as a Category 1 or 2 typhoon in the evening of 4 April or early morning of 5 April.

Rain: Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected within the 150-200 km radius of the typhoon, including Metro Manila, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides particularly in Aurora and Isabela provinces.

Storm surge: The Government warned against possible storm surges and sea surface waves of up to four meters over the eastern coasts of Samar and Bicol regions as well as the provinces of Aurora and Quezon.

Affected population: An estimated 56.6 million people may be affected in the regions I (Ilocos) II (Cagayan), III (Central Luzon), IV-A (Calabarzon), IV-B (Mimaropa), V (Bicol), VIII (Eastern Visayas), Cordillera Administrative Region and National Capital Region. In addition, thousands of national and foreign tourists visiting tourist destinations in Luzon over the Holy Week may be affected.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council activated its clusters for response on 1 April. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils at the regional and local levels were advised to facilitate pre-emptive evacuation of families in low-lying and mountainous areas and undertake other precautionary measures. The authorities are also pre-positioning food, non-food items and medical supplies while placing first responders on standby. PAGASA will raise the Public Storm Warning Signal over Bicol region and Samar provinces today to suspend sea travels in the area.

The Philippines Humanitarian Country Team met on 1 April to review its readiness to respond if needed. Key cluster members are standing by to support government’s preparedness and relief efforts.

The next Flash Update will be issued on 3 April.

For more information, contact: Akiko Yoshida, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, yoshidaa@un.org, Mobile: +63-917-543-7251

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