Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (Nalgae)

This is the 16th tropical cyclone that entered the country this year.

Even before Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (International Name: Nalgae) made its first landfall in Virac, Catanduanes on October 29 (GMT+8 1:10 AM), its “unusually (heavy) amount of rain” that triggered multiple landslides and flooding have already killed at least 31 people in Maguindanao province, Cotabato and other parts of Southwestern Mindanao. Another 3 landfalls were followed on the same day in Caramoan, Camarines Sur (GMT+8 1:40 AM), Buenavista, Quezon (GMT+8 6 AM) and Santa Cruz, Marinduque (GMT+8 8:40 AM).

Victims were swept away by floodwaters and drowned, or were hit by debris-laden mudslides. The current death toll has risen to at least 72 people, injured 33 and others remain missing. With water supply systems and electric infrastructure likely to be damaged or flooded, access to clean water becomes an immediate need.