Families flee as Tropical Storm Jangmi sweeps through Mindanao, Southern Philippines

Thousands of families from southern Philippines have evacuated their homes as Tropical Storm Jangmi (local name Seniang) batters northern Mindanao with non-stop rains and heavy winds. 

As Jangmi made landfall on Monday morning, floods inundated various areas in the CARAGA region and other areas of Mindanao, increasing the risk of floods and landslides.  

“Our community is already submerged with floodwaters. Families moved to higher ground for safety but I’m worried about our house, especially as we are preparing for the New Year celebration,” says Rhoda Kasil, former World Vision sponsored child from Butuan City, CARAGA. 

“Our community is already submerged with floodwaters....I’m worried about our house, especially as we are preparing for the New Year celebration.”

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Tropical Storm Jangmi has maximum winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is moving west-northwest at 11 kph. 

"We have been monitoring the movement of Typhoon Seniang and its impact to our covered areas. Thankfully, all the staff from Mindanao are accounted for despite being affected by floods,” says Jocelyn Mariscal, World Vision Associate Director in Mindanao. 

Three years ago, Northern Mindanao was affected by Typhoon Washi (local name Sendong), which left more than 1,000 casualties. In 2012, Typhoon Bopha (local name Pablo) heavily struck CARAGA region, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, claiming more than 1,000 lives. 

“We will continue to coordinate with the barangay officials and will respond if our support is needed. We’re praying for zero casualties. We don’t want the tragedy of Washi and Bopha.” Mariscal adds. 

"We’re praying for zero casualties. We don’t want the tragedy of Washi and Bopha.” 

In Mindanao, World Vision has nine area programs in seven provinces, supporting around 19,000 sponsored children.