Weather

11
Sep 2021
6:08 UTC

Philippines & Taiwan Tactical (UPDATE): Typhoon Kiko makes landfall in Batanes, Philippines during morning hours (local time) on September 11; remain cognizant of local updates

Please be advised:

  • According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Kiko (Chanthu) is forecast to bring heavy to intense, with occasional torrential rains, over Batanes province following its landfall in Batan Island at around 8:30 (local time) on September 11. The second-highest Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Number 4 was hoisted during the typhoon’s passage. The system is expected to sustain its wind strength of around 171 to 220 kmph winds, along with gusts reaching up to 265 kmph, until at least early evening hours on September 11.  
  • Typhoon Kiko’s intensity has weakened to a moderate typhoon, however, there remains a high potential for it to be elevated to category 5 “super typhoon” if the maximum sustained wind speed exceeds 220 kmph over the coming hours. The system is forecast to begin weakening as it moves north or north-northeast during the intervening hours on September 11-12. 
  • Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are likely over Abra, Apayao, Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Kalinga regions at least through the early hours of September 12. The typhoon is likely to enhance the ongoing Southwest monsoon rains in multiple parts of the country, including across Metro Manila on September 11. PAGASA issued an advisory on potential flooding and rain-induced landslides, particularly in the low-lying areas of the affected regions, applicable over the coming hours. 
  • As the system heads in the north direction, it is forecast to hit the east coast of Taiwan during the early morning hours on September 12, with the potential of making landfall further into the country if it veers more to the west or missing it entirely if it heads to the east. A typhoon warning issued by the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) is currently in place as of afternoon hours on September 11, with torrential rain expected in several parts of Taiwan, including New Taipei, Miaoli, Pingtung, and Hengchun Peninsula.  

Recommendations:

  1. Those operating or residing in the Philippines and Taiwan on September 11 and over the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of local updates regarding the inclement weather conditions. 
  2. Remain cognizant of local authorities’ updates and the risks associated with outdoor travel. These include tree collapses onto roads and railway tracks, as well as electrocution caused by open circuits. 
  3. Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. 
  4. In case of flood warnings, immediately evacuate to higher ground. Once higher ground has been reached, do not attempt to evacuate the wider region alone and seek professional assistance with evacuations.  
  5. Allot for disruptions to traffic and public utilities, and reconfirm all flight and overland travel itineraries.  
  6. Avoid contact with flood water, including through bathing and drinking. Ensure adequate supply of bottled water; boil water before consumption as a last resort. 
  7. Practice increased health and sanitation precautions to mitigate risks of contracting waterborne diseases during the flooding. Drink only bottled water and avoid exposure to flood water and natural bodies of water when possible. 
  8. Confirm that places of stay have working generators in case of power outages, while packing sufficient batteries and flashlights. 
  9. Charge essential electronic devices such as cellular phones, laptops, and tablet computers ahead of the planned power outage, and initiate energy-saving functions on these devices as needed. Disconnect all surge-prone devices such as computers, televisions, and appliances to prevent potential damage. 
AFFECTED AREA Philippines; Taiwan
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible

Please be advised:

  • According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Kiko (Chanthu) is forecast to bring heavy to intense, with occasional torrential rains, over Batanes province following its landfall in Batan Island at around 8:30 (local time) on September 11. The second-highest Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Number 4 was hoisted during the typhoon’s passage. The system is expected to sustain its wind strength of around 171 to 220 kmph winds, along with gusts reaching up to 265 kmph, until at least early evening hours on September 11.  
  • Typhoon Kiko’s intensity has weakened to a moderate typhoon, however, there remains a high potential for it to be elevated to category 5 “super typhoon” if the maximum sustained wind speed exceeds 220 kmph over the coming hours. The system is forecast to begin weakening as it moves north or north-northeast during the intervening hours on September 11-12. 
  • Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are likely over Abra, Apayao, Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Kalinga regions at least through the early hours of September 12. The typhoon is likely to enhance the ongoing Southwest monsoon rains in multiple parts of the country, including across Metro Manila on September 11. PAGASA issued an advisory on potential flooding and rain-induced landslides, particularly in the low-lying areas of the affected regions, applicable over the coming hours. 
  • As the system heads in the north direction, it is forecast to hit the east coast of Taiwan during the early morning hours on September 12, with the potential of making landfall further into the country if it veers more to the west or missing it entirely if it heads to the east. A typhoon warning issued by the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) is currently in place as of afternoon hours on September 11, with torrential rain expected in several parts of Taiwan, including New Taipei, Miaoli, Pingtung, and Hengchun Peninsula.  

Recommendations:

  1. Those operating or residing in the Philippines and Taiwan on September 11 and over the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of local updates regarding the inclement weather conditions. 
  2. Remain cognizant of local authorities’ updates and the risks associated with outdoor travel. These include tree collapses onto roads and railway tracks, as well as electrocution caused by open circuits. 
  3. Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. 
  4. In case of flood warnings, immediately evacuate to higher ground. Once higher ground has been reached, do not attempt to evacuate the wider region alone and seek professional assistance with evacuations.  
  5. Allot for disruptions to traffic and public utilities, and reconfirm all flight and overland travel itineraries.  
  6. Avoid contact with flood water, including through bathing and drinking. Ensure adequate supply of bottled water; boil water before consumption as a last resort. 
  7. Practice increased health and sanitation precautions to mitigate risks of contracting waterborne diseases during the flooding. Drink only bottled water and avoid exposure to flood water and natural bodies of water when possible. 
  8. Confirm that places of stay have working generators in case of power outages, while packing sufficient batteries and flashlights. 
  9. Charge essential electronic devices such as cellular phones, laptops, and tablet computers ahead of the planned power outage, and initiate energy-saving functions on these devices as needed. Disconnect all surge-prone devices such as computers, televisions, and appliances to prevent potential damage. 
AFFECTED AREA Philippines; Taiwan
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible