ReliefWeb

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2001/0230
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Philippines - Tropical Storm
8 November 2001

Situation

1. Early Wednesday, 7 November, the Philippines were hit by Tropical Storm Lingling ("Nanang") with maximum winds of 105 kilometers per hour. The storm triggered serious flash floods, which have reportedly caused 105 casualties and left 262 people missing. The southern island of Camiguin is the worst hit, registering 79 dead and 242 people missing. According to news reports, 2,000 families have been forced to leave their homes and take shelter in schools and government buildings. One military helicopter is assisting the local authorities in search and rescue and relief.

2. According the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) the storm has intensified rapidly, as it is moving towards Southern Mindoro. At 09:00 hrs GMT today, 8 November, the center of the Tropical Storm was located 80 kilometers Southeast of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It is forecast to pass close to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro tonight (local time) and then move towards the Calamian group of islands. It will most likely be 190 kilometers west-northwest of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro by tomorrow afternoon (local time).

3. Public Storm Warning Signal number three is now in effect over Southern Mindoro. Residents in low-lying areas and near riverbanks in Mindoro and in other threatened provinces have been advised by the Philippine authorities to be alert against floodings and landslides.

4. There is no official report available from the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) on casualties and damage caused by the Tropical Storm so far.

5. No appeal for international assistance has been received by OCHA to date.

6. OCHA is in contact with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Manila, which is monitoring the situation.

7. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int

Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers: Mr. J. McGoldrick / Mr. R. Mueller / Mr. S. Matsuka / Mr. K. Quiding
Direct Tel. +41-22-917 1712 / 3131 / 4034 / 1769

Press contact: (GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
(N.Y.) Ms. P. Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32