Alert#2: May 14, 2020

Typhoon Vongfong, Philippines’ first typhoon this year, has already made contact with landmass over Eastern Samar at 12:15PM yesterday.

The typhoon is packing a strength of 155km/h sustained winds near the center and 190km/h gustiness. The eyewall brings violent winds and intense rains over Samar and Bicol regions. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal number 3 is already raised in many municipalities in the said regions.

In Albay province, local authorities have started forced preemptive evacuation to keep families safe from hazardous areas. Because of the threat of the COVID-19 virus, health standard protocol such as social distancing, wearing of face mask, and proper hygiene is implemented in the evacuation areas. Only four families are also allowed to stay in one classroom-turned-evacuation site to avoid crowding.

“This is a very challenging situation for the families because they are at risk of the virus out in the open. The families also weren’t able to store food and other essentials because their livelihood are affected due to the implemented community quarantine,” shares Rey Montimor, World Vision Program Manager in Albay.

The organization continues to monitor the approaching typhoon, as thousands of vulnerable families, currently reeling from the pandemic, could be further affected.