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 56
  (NYC)  Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32


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