TD Kristine to affect 30M Filipinos, trigger landslides and floods

Thirty million individuals across multiple regions could be affected by Tropical Depression Kristine, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

More than 18,000 barangays are at risk of rain-induced landslides and floods, particularly in Central Visayas, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Eastern Visayas, Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

In the National Capital Region, a total of 1,403 barangays are also vulnerable to landslide and flood hazards.

Kristine is projected to make landfall in Cagayan by Thursday and may impact northern Luzon with moderate to heavy rainfall.

The OCD has directed its regional offices to begin preparedness measures as early as Tuesday for areas like the Bicol region and Samar provinces.

OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno urged vulnerable communities to prepare for the typhoon, emphasizing cooperation for their safety.

Currently, all monitored dams are not on flood watch, but several major dams are under close observation.

PAGASA has hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over 15 areas as Kristine moved over the Philippine Sea.