Karding PH: All you need to know

Storm signals in different parts of the Philippines

PAGASA has raised Signal No. 5—the highest storm signal—in Polillo Islands as well as the extreme northern portion of Quezon, the extreme southern portion of Aurora, the eastern portion of Bulacan, and the extreme southeastern portion of Nueva Ecija.

Several provinces in Luzon, meanwhile, have been placed under Signal No. 4, including the northern portion of Metro Manila. You may know more details on the tropical cyclone wind signals in different parts of Luzon on our live updates page.

The highest signal poses "extreme threat to life and property." The potential impacts of winds are significant to severe threat to life and property (Signal No. 4), moderate to significant threat to life and property (Signal No. 3), minor to moderate threat to life and property (Signal No. 2), and minimal to minor threat to life and property (Signal No. 1), said PAGASA.

Other things to watch out for 

Meteorologist Ariel Rojas said “major flooding” is expected in the downstream area of Marikina and Pampanga River Basins.

It’s still not certain if the flooding would be similar to Ondoy in 2009, which has been known as one of the worst natural disasters in the country. Rojas, however, noted that there will be torrential rains. “Heavy rains dumped in Sierra Madre will eventually go downstream. If you live along river channels, prepare to evacuate,” he said.

Note that weather forecasts are not 100% accurate. Gerry Bagtasa of the Institute of Environmental Science & Meteorology, who gives updates on the weather in the country via Twitter, reminded everyone that forecasts are not 100% accurate. He also posted a guide on what to expect when Karding makes landfall tonight.

How to prepare for Typhoon Karding

Here are some tips that could guide you in preparing for the super typhoon before it approaches the country:

• Know your hazards. Disaster scientist Mahar Lagmay shared a link you could use to know "how likely you are to be affected by floods, landslides, and storm surges, and what you can do about it." It's part of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazard), which is the primary disaster risk reduction and management program of the country. Just type in your location in the search bar and you'll be redirected to detailed information on hazards in your area, including flood hazard level, landslide hazard level, and storm surge hazard level, and how you can prepare for them. A list of critical facilities near you will also appear.

• Ready your things as early as now. Rojas suggested charging all your gadgets and power banks, storing your important documents in a safe place, stocking food and drinks, and moving appliances to a safer area in the home to prevent electrical problems. He also advised everyone to come up with a "go-bag" that contains essential items you might need in case of brownout, emergency evacuation, among others.
• Monitor updates from time to time. PAGASA holds weather reports every few hours for Filipinos to stay updated on the super typhoon's movements and possible impacts. Rojas noted that you should monitor it only via reliable sources.
• Coordinate with your local government unit. LGUs have various ways of meeting the needs of their residents and keeping them safe from their impacts. It may differ per area, so it's important to coordinate with them via their official pages and websites.

Typhoon hotlines in case of emergency

Should you need urgent help or rescue when Karding hits, you may contact the following hotlines:

• Philippine National Emergency: 911
• National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council: Trunkline: +63 (2) 911-5061 to 64 or email at [email protected]
• Philippine Red Cross: 143, Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300