A new tropical storm, locally called “Onyok”, is heading to the southern part of the Philippines on December 18, local authorities said on December 17.

In the meantime, people in the northern region were battling floods caused by typhoon Melor.

According to the Philippines Weather Bureau, the new storm is approaching Mindanao Island and prompt preparations are needed.

Residents are seen in a coastal area battered by strong winds and heavy rains brought by Typhoon Melor in Legazpi City, central Philippines, Dec. 15, 2015

Although Onyok is only a tropical depression, it is forecasted to bring heavy rain to areas not used to fierce weather.

Earlier, typhoon Melor made landfall on the eastern Philippines on December 14, claiming at least 20 lives and causing flooding all over the central and northern regions.

Local authorities warned that floods are expected to rise further as waters from other parts of the main island of Luzon flowed into the floodplain.

(Source: VNA)