Super Typhoon Pepito makes landfall in Catanduanes

MANILA, Philippines — Super Typhoon Pepito has made a landfall in Panganiban, Catanduanes on Saturday evening, November 16.

In its Facebook post, state weather bureau PAGASA said Pepito made landfall at 9:40 p.m.

As of 8 p.m., Pepito was located over the coastal waters of Viga, Catanduanes.

Pepito is carrying maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 325 kph. 

It is now moving west-northwest at 25 kph.

Based on PAGASA’s 8 p.m. bulletin, Pepito will remain either a super typhoon or a typhoon as it moves through areas in Aurora. However, significant weakening is expected during its passage over Luzon.

Signal No. 5, the highest warning level, was raised over Catanduanes and the northeastern part of Camarines Sur, including Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy and Presentacion, as of 8 p.m.

PAGASA earlier warned that Super Typhoon Pepito could bring "potentially catastrophic and life-threatening" impacts on Bicol Region.

Pepito is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday afternoon, November 18.

The state weather bureau will issue its next tropical cyclone bulletin at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday.