Monsoon break prevails ahead of super typhoon

MANILA, Philippines — A monsoon break is prevailing ahead of the entry of a super typhoon with international name Bavi, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Based on the latest weather satellite report yesterday at 4 p.m., Bavi was at 2,575 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, moving northwestward at 20 kms per hour.

It is packing winds of 205 kph and gusts of 250 kph, and is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) tomorrow evening or early Wednesday.

Once it enters PAR, it will be given the local name Inday.

While it may not directly make landfall, Tropical Wind Signals may be raised in northern and eastern parts of the country.

The southwest monsoon or habagat will be enhanced once it enters PAR.

Meanwhile, the easterlies will affect the eastern parts of Luzon and Visayas and will experience humid weather conditions and light rains in Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon and the Bicol Region.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience localized thunderstorms.

PNP, PCG prepare

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is coordinating closely with the Office of Civil Defense and PAGASA to prepare critical disaster response protocols as it braces for the potential onslaught of Bavi.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP sought to pinpoint high-risk areas and assist local governments.

“The goal will always be zero casualty,” Nartatez said. “Our disaster response protocol will be in place to ensure the safety and welfare of everybody, especially those living in coastal and low-lying areas.”

Police personnel are collaborating with local officials to map out areas highly susceptible to flash floods, landslides, and coastal storm surges.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) started mobilizing its personnel and rescue equipment in preparation for the possible effects of Bavi.

The PCG District Northeastern Luzon and its stations in Cagayan, Sta. Ana, Aurora, Batanes, Calayan and Isabela have raised their disaster preparedness in response and activated the Deployable Response Group in Batanes. — Rainier Allan Ronda, Evelyn Macairan