Typhoon 'Ofel'gains strength

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon “Ofel” (international codename: Jangmi) intensified yesterday as the weather bureau raised storm signal No. 3 over Batanes.

This developed as an active low pressure area was spotted some 540 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales, but is still far to affect the country.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)’s Ludy Alviar said Ofel gained more strength as it moved closer to the Batanes-Taiwan area.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, weathermen raised storm signal No. 2

over the Calayan and Babuyan islands, while signal No. 1 was up in Cagayan, Isabela, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Abra, Apayao, Pangasinan and Zambales.

At 4 p.m. yesterday, the eye of Ofel was located some 340 kms east of Basco, Batanes, packing winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

Ofel was forecast to move northwest at 19 kph.

It is expected to be at 300 kms north of Basco, Batanes or off the coast of eastern Taiwan this afternoon.

By Monday afternoon, Ofel is predicted to be at 470 kms north-northwest of Basco or off the coast of western Taiwan.

Alviar said Ofel would continue to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Southern Luzon as well as the Visayas, particularly its western section.

Alviar warned residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes against possible flash floods and landslides. Those living in coastal areas under public storm warning signal Nos. 2 and 3 were also alerted against big waves and storm surges generated by the typhoon.

Ofel is the 15th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year and the third this month.