MANILA, Philippines – Roof materials, nails, food, canned goods, dry clothes, and water.

These are the immediate needs of residents of Baler, Aurora, where Typhoon Karen (Sarika) made landfall at 2:30 am on Sunday, October 16.

According to volunteer responder Jonel Buenaventura, Karen brought strong, damaging winds when it came ashore.

“Hindi po kalakas ang ulan kasi hindi napaapaw ‘yung ilog,” he added.

(The rain was not strong enough to cause the river to overflow.) 

Baler local Ron Manghinang took a video of the aftermath of Typhoon Karen a few hours after it made landfall, which showed the damage in his area. His cafe, Charlie Does, is accepting donations for typhoon relief. 

Aurora was among the provinces that conducted preemptive and forced evacuations in high-risk areas beginning Saturday afternoon, October 15.

Government responders also conducted forced preemptive evacuation for guests in seaside hotels and inns in Baler due to the threat of storm surges, the Philippine Information Authority reported.

As of 2 pm on Sunday, Typhoon Karen was already over the coastal waters of Pangasinan, moving away from land.

But after Karen leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday, October 17, Severe Tropical Storm Haima will enter PAR. Haima will be given the local name Lawin. – Rappler.com