Gov't ramps up preparations as Super Typhoon Bavi inches closer
MANILA, Philippines — Various government agencies are preparing for Super Typhoon Bavi ahead of its forecast entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday evening, July 7.
As of 2 p.m., state weather bureau PAGASA said Bavi was located 1,735 kilometers east of Central Luzon, still outside PAR.
The super typhoon, which will be assigned the local name "Inday" once it enters PAR, slightly intensified as it continued moving west-northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour (kph).
It has maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.
PAGASA said that while Bavi is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines, Wind Signals No. 2 and 3 may be raised over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.
The enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, and Bavi's outer circulation may also bring strong to gale-force gusts to some areas, particularly coastal and upland communities, from Tuesday to Thursday.
Among these areas are:
- July 7 — Most of Mindanao
- July 8 — Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, most of MIMAROPA, most of Bicol Region, most of the Visayas and most of Mindanao
- July 9 — Most of the country
The Presidential Communications Office said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned 4.775 million family food packs worth P3.009 billion in various locations nationwide for communities that may be affected.
The agency also has 364,283 ready-to-eat food boxes and 271,446 non-food items available for immediate distribution.
In a statement issued on July 6, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency had already mobilized its field offices to monitor the entry of Super Typhoon Bavi and streamline the delivery of relief assistance.
“Hindi na po tayo nag-hihintay na dumating muna ang sakuna, bago tayo umaksyon,” Dumlao said.
(We are no longer waiting for a disaster to strike before we take action.)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), meanwhile, said it is coordinating with PAGASA to monitor areas that may be affected by Bavi.
The agency added that it is prepared to issue land travel advisories to transport companies and operators of buses, UV Express units and trucks to ensure public safety should Bavi affect parts of the country.
“I have already directed all RFROs (Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices) to maximize the use of our social media accounts to warn motorists and PUV drivers on travel suspensions to ensure the welfare of all,” LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said.
Mendoza added that the agency would also coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways on road closures and with the Philippine Ports Authority on the suspension of sea travel.
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