7 December 2014, 12PM (AFTER LANDFALL)

Typhoon Updates

At 9:15PM last night, Typhoon Ruby made landfall over the municipality of Dolores in Eastern Samar. It has since made its second landfall over Cataingan, Masbate as of PAG-ASA’s 11AM update today. The typhoon is expected to make its third landfall in Sibuyan Island tonight. The Typhoon’s diameter has also reduced from 700 km prior to landfall to 600 km at landfall. Its diameter is now 500km. Within this diameter, heavy to torrential rains of 10 mm to less than 30mm is estimated. It currently has maximum sustained winds of 140kph and gustiness of 170kph. (PAG-ASA)

Before landfall, the typhoon’s strength reduced slightly reclassifying it from a Category 4 Typhoon to a Category 3. After its first landfall it has since been reclassified as Category 2. (Weather Underground)

The typhoon is forecasted to move West Northwest at 15kph. Tomorrow morning it is expected to be 20km Southwest of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro or 150km South of Science Garden, Quezon City. On Tuesday morning it is expected to be 260km West of Calapan City or 260 km West Southwest of Science Garden.Read More »BMG Update on Typhoon Ruby / Hagupit No. 3

6 December 2014, 7 PM (BEFORE LANDFALL)

Operations Center

Yesterday 2PM, the Balay Mindanaw Group currently based in Cagayan de Oro City held a meeting to discuss action points and possible emergency response during and following the Typhoon Ruby (International Name: Hagupit).

It was determined that there is no immediate need for Cagayan de Oro City, Gingoog City and other Balay Mindanaw areas in Mindanao, with the possible exception of the Pacific- facing Surigao provinces. Monitoring of these areas, particularly in Surigao del Sur which is host to a Balay Mindanaw area-based team is currently ongoing. In any case, the Balay Mindanaw Peace Center and Kalambuan Center are still prepared to accept evacuees if the need arises.

The group assessed the capacity to respond, including material resources and available volunteers.

The group also discussed the possible scenarios that we may face once the typhoon is over. It was agreed upon that whichever scenario would occur, the BMG would adhere to some basic DREAM principles that were articulated by Kaloy Manlupig:

1. The LGU is still considered the first and primary responder. Balay Mindanaw only intends to supplement because we have limited resources.
2. Our wave of focus of emergency response (if multiple areas are hit hard) is Cagayan de Oro, and then Mindanao, and then Visayas.
3. We will remain community-based and barangay-focused.
4. Our capacity and capability are dependent on our resources and our ability to mobilize volunteers.

The current DREAM structure was also clarified and solidified, particularly with regards to overall coordination, logistics, monitoring and communication.Read More »BMG UPDATE ON TYPHOON RUBY / HAGUPIT NO. 2

5 December 2014, 7 PM

Typhoon Updates

As of 8AM today, the typhoon Ruby (International Name: Hagupit) has gained more (strength) and slightly slowed down as it continues to move West Northwest towards eastern Visayas. The center of the typhoon was located, as of 4AM, 500km East of Borongan, Eastern Samar. It is forecasted to move West Northwest at 13kph. (NDRRMC)

As of 10AM today, the typhoon was located 435km East of Borongan, Eastern Samar.

At 4PM, the typhoon was located 370km East of Borongan, Eastern Samar. The maximum sustained winds have also since slowed down to 195kph near the center and gustiness of 230kph.

It is forecasted to be 80km North Northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar tomorrow afternoon. On Sunday afternoon, it will be 50km North of Masbate City, Masbate or in the vicinity of Ticao Island. (PAG-ASA)

This afternoon, Ruby’s strength decreased from a category 5 typhoon to category 4. (Weather Underground)Read More »BMG UPDATE ON TYPHOON RUBY / HAGUPIT NO. 1