Thousands of people sought protection in shelters in the Philippines today as Tropical Storm Jelawat lashed the huge southern island of Mindanao, causing flooding and power outages.

The storm weakened after making landfall in the morning, but the Philippine Meteorological Service announced that the risk of flooding and landslides still exists.

Police in Manai, where Jelawat made landfall, reported that a man is missing after the Kazaoman River swelled which runs through this coastal town of about 40,000 inhabitants.

This local resident “he ignored the warnings and went to collect coconuts floating in the river. He is believed to have been carried away.” Major Meliton Sango said.

A total of 11,729 residents were evacuated as a precaution from the eastern and northern coasts of Mindanao before the storm arrives. Authorities advised them to temporarily move to emergency accommodation.

Meteorological services predict that Jelawat will pass through the south of the country during the rest of the day warning of heavy rainfall, especially in the mountainous areas in the interior of the country.

“Under these conditions, rain-induced flooding and landslides are possible,” according to the latest weather forecast.

The Coast Guard reported widespread shipping problems with navigational restrictions to prevent accidents in rough seas.

More than 100 ships ran aground or sought refuge in ports and at least 5,000 passengers remained stranded at the port of Manila as ferry services to the central and southern Philippines were suspended.

About 20 storms and typhoons hit the country or neighboring sea areas every year causing hundreds of casualties and widespread damage.

Jelawat is the 11th tropical storm of the year in the Philippinesaccording to the weather service.