© Philippine ArmyFlood rescue in Butuan City, Philippines, February 2023.
As of 21 February, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported over 300 incidents of flooding and over 30 landslides across 22 provinces in 8 regions since 13 February 2023. Most of the incidents occurred in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Zamboanga Del Norte, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, Cotabato, Agusan Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte and Butuan City.
Over 90,000 people have been affected, including 20,687 in Butuan City, 28,278 in Davao Oriental Province and 21,037 in Agusan Del Sur province. NDRRMC reported 118 homes were damaged and 20 destroyed. Over 32,000 people have been displaced.
One person died in floodwaters in Siayan in Zamboanga Del Norte. Another person died after being swept away by floods in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
In a 24-hour period to 14 February, 242 mm of rain fell in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. On 18 February, 241 mm of rain fell in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
This depression is being created by fast moving air South of Japan, hitting descending colder air in the Pacific ocean that drives it South to the equator where it is then redirected west by the remains of air stream on the equator, rather a large loop.
Needless to say, this mechanism will keep the Philippines supplied with copious amounts ot precipitable water.