The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed on Sunday, January 18, 2026, that two individuals have died as Tropical Storm Ada, known internationally as Nokaen, lashed parts of the Bicol Region.
Casualties and Widespread Impact
In its latest situational report, the disaster council stated that the two fatalities, which are still under validation, were victims of a landslide in Matnog, Sorsogon. The storm's impact has been extensive, affecting 7,170 families or 10,249 individuals across the Bicol and Caraga regions.
Authorities took pre-emptive action by evacuating at least 82 individuals to safer ground. However, persistent rains led to flooding in 71 areas across the affected regions. To aid the displaced and impacted communities, the government has provided assistance valued at PHP 547,765, comprising both food and non-food relief items.
Storm Strength and Ongoing Threats
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that as of 10 a.m. Sunday, Tropical Storm Ada had maintained its strength while moving slowly away from Catanduanes. Its center was located approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.
The storm packs maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 90 kph. PAGASA continues to hoist tropical cyclone wind signals over parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
Areas Under Signal Warnings and Further Hazards
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is raised over Catanduanes and the eastern portion of Camarines Sur, including Caramoan, where gale-force winds may cause minor to moderate threats.
TCWS No. 1 remains in effect over several areas including southern Quezon, Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, the rest of Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Ticao and Burias Islands, and Northern Samar.
Beyond the damaging winds, PAGASA warns that Ada is bringing heavy rainfall, posing a serious risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Coastal communities in Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon are alerted to possible storm surges of up to two meters in the next 24 hours.
Disaster authorities are urging all residents in the affected regions to stay vigilant, monitor official updates, and strictly follow instructions from their local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
