Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia – Tropical Cyclone Kai-Tak (GDACS, JTWC, PAGASA, NDRRMC, NCHMF, DSWD, Local Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 19 December 2017)

The Tropical Cyclone KAI-TAK (local name URDUJA) continued moving south-southwest, slightly strengthening but remaining a tropical storm. It exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 19 December early morning UTC. Over the next 24 hours it is forecast to continue moving south-west over the South China sea, heading towards West Malaysia, strengthening further. Heavy rain may continue to affect Palawan island (Mimaropa region, Philippines) over 19-20 December and it may occur over several regions of southern Vietnam, northern Borneo island, and west Malaysia over 19-24 December.

According to local media, as of 19 December at 7.00 UTC, at least 40 people have been killed. As national authorities mentioned on 19 December, 19 people were reported injured and two more went missing. In addition, over 766 200 people have been affected by floods in 1 381 municipalities across six regions (Regions V, VI, VII, VIII, Mimaropa and Caraga), of which 190 247 have been evacuated inside 572 evacuation centres. 149 houses have been damaged in the cities of Samar (Eastern Visayas region) and Agusan del Norte (Caraga region).