OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Philippines - Typhoon
28 September 2006


This situation report is based on information received from OCHA 
Regional Disaster Response Advisor covering the Philippines.

Situation

1. Typhoon Xangsane (local name Milenyo) gained strength when it made 
landfall on the northern part of Samal Island, situated in the middle of 
Philippines, early in the morning of 27 September.  It has blown into 
Bicol region in the southern part of Luzon Island, stranding hundreds of 
passengers and putting a hold on sea voyage.

2. As of 06:00 of 28 September, the eye of the Typhoon was located about 
30 kilometres northwest of metropolitan Manila. According to the 
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services 
Administration (PAGASA), 100 to 185 kph wind was in effect over Metro 
Manila and nearby provinces - Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, 
Quezon Province, Polillo Island, Oriental Mindoro, Lubang Island, 
Camarines Provinces Marinduque, Romblon and Burias Island.

3. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reports as of 14:00 
of 28 September that:

- A total of 1,137 families or 5,498 persons were displaced and two 
persons were injured in Camarines Sur Province (Bicol Region) due to 
falling trees.

- A power blackout occurred throughout Metro Manila, including areas in 
Makati, and continued power interruption in many areas including in 
northern and eastern Samar Island, and the city of Calbayog.

- Several bridges were rendered impassable due to river flood in Capital 
region and the Diverson Highway, which goes through Legaspi in Bicol 
region, was impassable due to uprooted trees.

4. On 28 September, all schools and government agencies, except for 
those rendering vital services, in Metro Manila and five Southern 
Tagalog and Central Luzon provinces - Batangas, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna 
and Bulacan - were suspended.

5. Electricity and internet services in the capital area are on and off 
but are expected to return to normalcy when the storm passes.

6. NDCC reported to UNDP that the local government of Region 5 (where 
Mayon Volcano is located) indicated that the typhoon had affected 
people, including those evacuated earlier as a result of activity in 
Mount Mayon.

National response

7. PAGASA has issued warnings urging people living in low-lying areas 
and near mountain slopes to be on alert to the possibility of flash 
floods and landslides.

8. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has issued guidelines banning 
vessels weighing 2,000 gross tonnage and below from setting sail in 
areas where Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2 (60 to 100 kph) is in 
effect.

9. Volcanologists at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and 
Seismology indicated that the threat of mud flows from Mayon Volcano due 
to continuous rains brought about by Milenyo were remote. Mayon remains, 
nonetheless, at a high level of unrest with a fair probability of 
explosive eruptions.

International Response

10. OCHA is releasing funds to purchase relief goods, including 
chainsaws, flashlights upon request from UNDP, NDCC and the local 
government.

11. OCHA remains in close contact with UNDP in Manila and will provide 
further information as it becomes available. This situation report, 
together with additional information on other ongoing emergencies, is 
also available on http://www.reliefweb.int.

Tel.:  +41-22-917 12 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:
  Ms. Paola Emerson, direct Tel. +41-22-9171613
  Mr. Masaaki Nakagawa, direct Tel. +41-22-9174034

Press contact:
  GVA - Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653
  NYC - Ms. Stephanie Bunker, direct Tel. + 1-917 367 5126

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