Super Typhoon Hagupit approaches the Philippines

Super Typhoon Hagupit (locally known as Ruby) is expected to make landfall in the Philippines on Saturday morning December 6 (local time). There is still uncertainty regarding the exact track the typhoon will take as it approaches land, however according to the latest PDC Tropical Cyclone Wind Impact Report, which uses the Joint Typhoon Warning Center information from Warning 15, Hagupit could result in as many as 6.3 million people at risk of catastrophic damage from winds, with millions more affected.

The latest update from the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) provides a situation overview, as well as information on suspension of classes, status of ports, and preparedness, and response measures being implemented. On Wednesday, December 3 (local time), the NDRRMC Operations Center issued a Red Alert Status, initiating continuous monitoring and ensuring dissemination of Severe Weather Bulletins, 24-hour public weather forecasts, gale warning, and general flood advisories.

The Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered all local government units (LGUs) that expect to be affected to brace for impact. This includes directing chief executives for Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to prepare food packs, medicines, fuel, and first aid for distribution.

Also, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has released severe weather bulletin number five, alerting residents of “rough to very rough sea conditions over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, over the seaboards of Visayas, and over the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao.” Additionally, residents in some areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are on alert for possible rains, gusty winds, flashfloods, storm surges, and landslides.

Evacuations are being reported for coastal villages and landslide-prone communities in preparation for the arrival of Hagupit.

Pacific Disaster Center is producing situational-awareness/estimated-impact products that are available through Facebook and Twitter @DisasterAWARE. If you are an emergency manager and would like additional access to available situational awareness products or the Emergency Operations (EMOPS) system, email PDC at info@pdc.org.

For more information on Tropical Cyclone Hagupit:
• Visit the Joint Typhoon Warning Center for the latest updates,
• Loot at the most recent PAGASA updates, and
• Visit the NDRRMC for weather bulletins.