Typhoon Huaning approaches Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon Huaning intensified as it moved closer to the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday, but state weathermen said it is not expected to make landfall in any part of the country.

Alvin Pura of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Huaning, international codename Soulik, was forecast to enter the country between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. today.

Pura said the weather disturbance could enhance the southwest monsoon that would bring light to moderate rains over the Western Visayas and Western Mindanao starting tomorrow.

By Friday or Saturday, light to moderate rains will continue over Western Visayas and the western section of Luzon, including Palawan and Metro Manila.

Stormy weather is likely over extreme northern Luzon as the typhoon moved closer to the country.

“We might raise storm signals over extreme northern Luzon and northern Luzon areas if it moves closer to land,” Pura said.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the eye of the typhoon was 1,570 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, with winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of 160 kph.

It was forecast to move west at 20 kph, and northwest toward Taiwan.

Huaning was predicted to leave the Philippine area of responsibility early Saturday morning.

“Typhoon Huaning will not have any direct effect on any part of the country today and tomorrow. Howeve,r it will enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains on the western part of the country starting Thursday afternoon,” PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advised fishermen to avoid sailing in the northern portion of the country due to bad weather.

NDRRMC executive director Eduardo del Rosario said the typhoon would bring rains and inclement weather.

The NDRRMC also alerted its local units to undertake precautionary measures. – With Alexis Romero