Inday remains strong; government on alert

MANILA, Philippines —  Super Typhoon Inday (international name Bavi) is maintaining its strength while moving westward over the Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Inday entered the Philippine area of responsibility at 3 a.m. yesterday.

Packing winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 240 kph, Inday is expected to make landfall over the eastern coast of mainland China by July 12.

Tropical wind signal No. 1 was raised in Ilocos Norte, Apayao, the northern portion of Abra, Kalinga, eastern portion of Mountain Province, eastern portion of Ifugao, Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, northeastern portion of Quirino, northern portion of Aurora and northern and central portions of Catanduanes.

Based on PAGASA’s impact-based forecast, severe winds will have a “minimal” impact by Friday in many parts of Batanes.

Angat Dam will benefit from the enhanced southwest monsoon and Inday, as forecasters predict a one-meter increase in its water level.

PAGASA hydrometeorology division chief Socrates Paat said it is not enough to sustain losses incurred for daily operations.

Angat Dam reached a record-low water level yesterday since 2010, at 157.07 meters.

People are urged to conserve water.

Government on alert

President Marcos has called on the public to monitor updates on Super Typhoon Inday.

The Department of Health has declared a code white alert to ensure rapid response to affected communities.

Essential health emergency commodities have been prepared in priority regions.

The Philippine National Police will provide support for pre-disaster preparations, evacuation efforts, traffic management and other public safety operations.

Metro Manila will be placed tomorrow under blue alert status, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

Metro Manila Council president and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said he is deferring the decision to suspend classes to local government units.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepared P52 million in stockpile and standby funds, equivalent to 73,440 family food packs and 5,427 non-food items.

Around 4.7 million food packs have been prepared nationwide.

Disaster response personnel in the Cordillera Administrative Region are on standby for possible deployment after a blue alert status has been raised.

Airports are preparing for the potential impact of strong winds and heavy rainfall, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said.

As of yesterday noon, at least 31 sea trips, mostly in Calabarzon, were canceled, the Philippine Ports Authority said.

Classes suspended

Classes across Negros Oriental and some areas in Negros Occidental are suspended today.

Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria has urged residents to remain vigilant.

Classes in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan are also suspended today.

Three SM City malls in Marilao, Pulilan and Baliwag City are offering temporary shelters. – Alexis Romero, Artemio Dumalo, Evelyn Macairan, Rudy Santos, Andrew Ronquillo, EJ Macababbad, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Gilbert Bayoran