Signals hoisted as Gener may intensify

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Gener could intensify into a tropical storm as it exits the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Gener is expected to continue westward over the West Philippine Sea after briefly passing through the Luzon landmass.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 was hoisted in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and the western portion of Pangasinan as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

Heavy to intense rains brought by the southwest monsoon are expected today in Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Aklan, Antique and Negros Occidental.

A tropical storm with international name Pulasan was forecast to enter PAR yesterday and exit today. It will be given the local name Helen.

Class suspensions

In Metro Manila, the local governments of Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela suspended classes at all levels.

Some of them scrambled with last minute class suspensions yesterday morning after tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 was hoisted in the northern part of the region.

PAGASA lifted signal No. 1 in Metro Manila in its 11 a.m. bulletin yesterday.

In La Union, classes in public and private schools and government work were suspended yesterday by Gov. Rafy Ortega-David due to rains brought by Gener.

Health and emergency workers were not included in the order.

Air, sea trips canceled

Four domestic flights have been canceled due to Gener as of 8 a.m. yesterday, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

AirSwift canceled two Manila-Romblon-Manila flights, affecting 81 passengers, said CAAP Area 3 manager Glenn Tripulcas.

Cebgo canceled two Manila-San Jose-Manila flights, with 151 passengers affected.

Around 939 people are stranded at seaports in Southern Tagalog, Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas due to rains brought by the southwest monsoon, the Philippine Coast Guard said yesterday.

Eighteen vessels, 480 rolling cargoes and 11 motorized boats were waiting for clearance to sail.

Seven vessels and 25 motor boats sought temporary shelter in the three regions.

Globe free WiFi

Meanwhile, telco giant Globe Telecom is preparing its network infrastructure for Gener’s potential impact.

Stations providing free calls, free charging and free WiFi connection are ready for deployment in areas where the storm may cause power and service outages.

Globe customers are provided free data access to the website of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. — Jun Elias, Rainier Allan Ronda, Rudy Santos, Evelyn Macairan, Janvic Mateo