FLASH UPDATE #1 – Combined Effects of Shear Line and Low Pressure Area
Country under monitoring: Philippines
CHRONOLOGY: On 14 November 2023, the Shear Line brought significant amounts of rain over Oriental Mindoro, Quezon, Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas. On 17 November, the Low Pressure Area (REMNANTS 97W) located 935 km east of Mindanao entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The combination of Shear Line and LPA brought rains over Eastern Visayas and Caraga Region. On 19 November, the LPA located east of Surigao City dissipated. From 18-20 November, the shear line brought rainfall over portions of Bicol Region, Western and Eastern Visayas. On November 20, 618 mm of rain was recorded in Catarman, Northern Samar. This above of rainfall is above the 450 mm monthly climatological normal average (NDRRMC)
RELATED INCIDENTS: A total of 149 related incidents in Regions IVA, IVB, V, VI, VIII, and XIII were recorded by NDRRMC. Of these recorded incidents, 132 were floods and 17 were rain-induced landslides. As of reporting, 18 flood incidents subsided and 16 were receding.
AFFECTED POPULATION: As of 22 November, a total of 81,050 families or 307,087 persons were affected in 5 regions, 15 provinces, 60 cities and municipalities, and 503 barangays. A total of 12,750 families or 43,665 persons were displaced, of which 3,670 families or 5,831 persons were served inside 104 evacuation centres, and 9,080 families or 37,834 persons were served outside evacuation centres.
DAMAGE AND IMPACT:
According to NDRRMC report dated 22 November 2023, 0700 HRS UTC+7, there were:
- A total of 31 houses were partially damaged
- 32 roads and 2 bridges were affected, of which 21 road sections and 1 bridge were unpassable
- 21 Cities/Municipalities experienced power interruption, 18 of these already had power supply restored.
- 1 Municipality had interrupted water supply
- 2 Airports were affected and still non-operational
- 3 Domestic flights were cancelled
- 6 Seaports were affected, of which 1 remained non-operational
- Classes were cancelled in 156 cities/municipalities
- Work was suspended in 5 cities/municipalities
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE:
- In preparation for the impacts following PAGASA’s forecast, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center convened select member agencies and Regional DRRMCs for weather updates and conducted continuous monitoring of the situation and dissemination of advisories.
- Regional DRRMCs conducted Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment and dissemination of advisories and announcements through various media and communication channels
- Local DRRMCs and Operations Centers were activated 24/7 to closely monitor the situation in their respective areas of responsibility, provide updates to the public, and ensure the safety of the communities.
- Local Government Units conducted assessments of the capacity of existing infrastructure and resources to cope with the anticipated impacts.
- Close coordination and cooperation among relevant agencies and government units in monitoring, updating, and responding to the incidents.
- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) installed warning signs and identified alternate routes.
- Regional DRRMC VIII raised BLUE Alert Status relative to the possible effects of the shear line and LPA
- The PAGASA and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) provided regular weather updates and warning on potential hydrometeorological impacts and geohazards, and continuous dissemination of list of barangays susceptible to flooding and landslides.
- To date, a total of PHP 3.4M (USD 61K) worth of assistance has been provided to affected communities in Regions V, VI, and VIII.
The AHA Centre will continue to monitor for further developments and issue necessary updates.
DATA SOURCES:
ASEAN Disaster Monitoring & Response System (DMRS); Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global); ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC);
Philippines: NDRRMC, PAGASA, DSWD, DPWH, MGB;
Verified news media agencies.
