Tropical Storm “Seniang” affected about 500 000 people in Philippines, claimed lives of 54

Tropical Storm "Jangmi", locally known as "Seniang" formed east of Mindanao, Philippines on December 28, intensifying as it made landfall in Hinatuan municipality, Surigao del Sur province on December 29. 

Heavy rain has accompanied this system as it moved onshore, with 162 mm (6.3”) of rainfall reported in the town of Surigao, and Hinatuan picking up a colossal 362 mm (14.2”).

The storm made a total of five landfalls causing major floods and landslides and then weakened into a low pressure area as it passed south of Palawan and exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the early morning of January 2, 2015.

Tropical Storm "Jangmi" (Seniang) on December 29, 2014. Image credit: NASA Terra/MODIS

UN's OCHA said Jangmi affected about 486 900 people across seven regions. Over 390 houses were destroyed while around 1 190 sustained partial damage.

While some evacuees have begun returning home, over 77 400 people remain inside 187 evacuation centers.

As of January 5, the death toll stands at 54 with 40 injured and 7 missing. Floods and landslides were the main cause of deaths.

Featured image: Tropical Storm "Jangmi" (Seniang) on December 29, 2014. Image credit: NASA Terra/MODIS