The Swinden Group Update – Typhoon Mirinae on Target to Strike Luzon Philippines on Saturday

Oct. 29, 2009 - PRLog -- For the fourth time in little over a month, Luzon, Philippines is threatened by a tropical cyclone that is threatening to pummel the region with hurricane force winds and torrential rains that may trigger life-threatening flooding and landslides.  The Swinden Group, a consulting firm that specializes in security and weather risk management, is advising travelers and Ex-Pats in the Luzon, and especially the Manila metro, to either postpone their trip or if able, leave the region.

Over the last 24 hours, Typhoon Mirinae strengthened slightly while continuing to track towards Luzon, Philippines – landfall expected early Saturday.  

“This will once again be a potentially dangerous, deadly, and disastrous storm for Luzon – the fourth in little over a month,” says Matthew Swinden of the Swinden Group. “Current track takes the storm just to the north of Manila. We are urging our traveling clients and Ex-Pats to move out of the region if possible.”

As of the 1500 UTC, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) update has Typhoon Mirinae located approximately 480 nautical miles east of Manila, Philippines and is tracking to the west.  With winds of 105 mph, Mirinae is a category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Mirinae is expected to weaken slightly but will remain at typhoon strength when it makes landfall in Luzon on late Friday / early Saturday with expect winds of near 100 mph.  Interests in the Philippines should monitor the progress of this storm and have preparations well underway for this potentially damaging and life-threatening storm.  

Threats & Damages for Luzon

A worst case scenario with a direct hit by category 2 hurricane: Coastal flooding due to storm surge.  Inland moderate to major flooding and mudslides due to torrential rains – this is actually the main cause of loss of life and destruction for storms that hit the Philippines. Moderate to major structural damage due to hurricane force winds. Substantial agriculture damage.  Minor to moderate damage to the infrastructure to include water, sewer, power, communications, and roads.  Travel in an around northern Luzon will be hampered.

Watches & Warnings have been issued for Luzon

The Philippine weather service has issued Storm Signal #1 for parts of southern Luzon and Storm Signal #2 for Aurora, Northern Quezon, and Polillo Island.  Expect additional warnings to be issued for the entire Luzon region within the next 24 hours.

After Luzon, Mirinae continues west towards Vietnam
After tracking over Luzon, Mirinae is expected to emerge in the South China Sea and resume a westward track towards central Vietnam.  During its track across the South China Sea, Mirinae is expected to weaken and strike Vietnam as a strong tropical storm or typhoon.  Widespread flooding and landslides will be the main life-threatening threat for Vietnam.  

Severe Weather Advisories is a subscription based service provided by the Swinden Group to corporations and business travelers so that they are prepared for severe weather that may negatively impact business and travel.

The Swinden Group provides companies and organizations security, investigations, and risk management services worldwide.



Contact:
Matthew Swinden
The Swinden Group, LLC
Phone: 303-406-3622   
Web: www.TheSwindenGroup.com
Email: matt@TheSwidnenGroup.com
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/SwindenGroup

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The Swinden Group, LLC, through its global strategic vendor network, is able to provide companies and organizations security consulting, executive protection, investigations, and risk management services throughout the globe.