Philippines – Typhoon Vamco Death Toll Rises, Over 1.7 Million Affected

The flood situation in the northern Philippines continues to worsen after torrential rainfall brought by Typhoon Vamco, known locally as Ulysses.

As of 15 November, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 173 incidents of flooding and 38 incidents of landslides. As many as 67 people have died and 13 are missing. Over 1.7 million people have been affected across the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Cordillera Administrative Region and National Capital Region.

Flooding has caused massive damage, including 236 sections of road and 98 bridges. Power supply has been interrupted to 312 municipalities and cities, and water supply to around 50.

Furthermore, 22,756 houses have been damaged and 3,096 totally destroyed. As many as 324,617 people have been displaced from their homes and moved to 2,991 evacuation centres.

Flood rescue in the Philippines after flooding rain brought by Typhoon Vamco, 12 November 2020. Photo: Philippine National Police
Flood rescue in the Philippines after flooding rain brought by Typhoon Vamco, 12 November 2020. Photo: Philippine National Police