Signal No. 1 hoisted anew over Batanes

MANILA, Philippines - Batanes province was again placed under signal No. 1 as Typhoon Gener moved closer to the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday. 

The typhoon is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines, but may bring rains in the northernmost section. 

The state weather bureau said isolated rains and thunderstorms may be experienced in other parts of the country over the weekend due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, PAGASA said Gener was estimated to be at 615 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.

It is forecast to move west-northwest at the speed of 25 km per hour, with the forecast track showing it will move closer to Batanes today before veering north toward Taiwan.

Gener is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) over the weekend.

The typhoon slightly intensified yesterday as it moved over the Philippine sea, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.

Meanwhile, the tropical storm previously named Ferdie (international name Meranti), which left the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday, continued to weaken further as it moved north. 

It was estimated to be at 860 km north of Itbayat, Batanes and had maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph.

Based on the extended weather outlook released by the weather bureau, most parts of the country may experience isolated rain showers and thunderstorms over the weekend.

“Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest to west with slight to moderate seas,” said PAGASA.

Aid for typhoon victims

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to send relief assistance to victims of Ferdie in Batanes province.

The DSWD’s national resource operations office has prepared 20,000 pieces of brown rice bars, 5,000 pieces of malong cloths and 600 family food packs for residents of Basco.

Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo reminded the public to stay vigilant since Gener is still within the PAR.

“We remind the public to be mindful of the possible effects of the typhoon. We expect everyone to continue to cooperate with government agencies so we can immediately respond to your needs,” Taguiwalo said.

Canceled flights

Meanwhile, four international flights of Philippine Airlines were canceled yesterday due to bad weather.

On the other hand, several local flights of Cebu Pacific have also been canceled after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced the extended closure of a runway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sept. 20 and 21 to give way to maintenance work and pavement repairs.

Cebu Pacific said it is arranging for the re-accommodation of affected passengers on the soonest available flights. Those who are unable to take these flights may either rebook their flights within 30 days from original departure date or opt for full refund or travel refund. – With Rainier Allan Ronda, Rudy Santos