Luis hits Luzon today; residents evacuated

MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon Luis (international codename Kalmaegi) made landfall yesterday afternoon in the Isabela-Cagayan border, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Luis maintained strength as it approached the  Cagayan-Isabela boundary before making landfall at 5 p.m.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advised communities to prepare for flashfloods, landslides and possible storm surges as Luis rushed towards the country, bearing powerful winds and heavy rains.

The typhoon, with maximum winds of 160 kilometers per hour, was expected to hit the northeastern side of Luzon around sundown yesterday with residents told to prepare for the worst.

At least three towns in the direct path of the typhoon have initiated a “pre-emptive evacuation,” with other vulnerable areas being told to brace for flashfloods and landslides, the NDRRMC said.

“I am calling on our countrymen... take proper precautions for your situation and listen to the warnings of your village leaders. Do not wait for the storm to hit you,” NDRRMCs head Alexander Pama said in a live television broadcast.

He warned that the typhoon might bring storm surges as high as two meters. 

Public Storm Signal No. 3 was raised over Cagayan (including Babuyan and Calayan Islands), Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Kalinga, Isabela, Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur, Ifugao.

Storm Signal No. 2 was in effect in Batanes, La Union, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija.

Storm Signal No. 1 was raised over Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, northern Quezon,  and Polillo Islands.

As of 5 p.m., Luis was estimated at 115 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph and gustiness of up to 160 kph. It was forecast to move west-northwest at 22 kph.

Pagasa said Cagayan Valley, Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Ecija and Aurora would experience stormy weather with rough to very rough seas. The provinces of Tarlac, Zambales, Bulacan, Pampanga and Northern Quezon, including Polillo Islands would have rains with gusty winds.

No classes

Local governments of Malabon, Pateros, Mandaluyong, Cavite and Nueva Ecija announced the suspension of classes today in all levels.

Ilocos Gov. Imee Marcos announced that classes in elementary and secondary levels in Ilocos Norte are also suspended today.