Typhoon Nina is intensifying to a possible category four cyclone as the Philippines braces for the tropical storm to hit with destructive winds and heavy rain on Christmas Day.
The typhoon, also named Nock-ten, entered the Philippines area yesterday and is intensifying as it bears down to make landfall in the Bicol Region tomorrow.
Oxfam Australia’s Humanitarian Manager Meg Quartermaine said Nina was being closely monitored as it could bring strong winds and torrential rains that could trigger flash flooding and landslides.
Ms Quartermaine said populated areas through Luzon, Quezon Province, Laguna, Batangas and the capital of Manila could possibly bear the brunt of the severe tropical storm as it passes across the Philippines.
Ms Quartermaine said Oxfam was ready to mobilise teams if needed and requested.
“We are closely monitoring with our staff on the ground and local partners and Oxfam is on standby to assist if required and requested by the national government,” Ms Quartermaine said.
“Oxfam has strong response capacity in the Philippines with a large team on the ground and has expertise in water supply, sanitation and hygiene, emergency food security and livelihoods.”
About 20 storms hit the Philippines each year. In 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan, the deadliest typhoon in recent history, wreaked havoc in Eastern Visayas, killing over 6,300 people and displacing 4 million.
