THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday raised Signal No. 1 in three areas as tropical depression “Obet” continued to move closer to northern Luzon.
These areas are Batanes, Babuyan Islands and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan, PAGASA said.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Obet was some 650 km east of Basco, Batanes, moving westward at 15 kph and packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
“On the track forecast, the center of Obet may traverse the Babuyan Islands-Batanes area between tomorrow (Friday) evening and Saturday morning,” PAGASA said in a bulletin issued at 5 p.m. yesterday.
It said Obet is forecast to intensify into tropical storm by Friday night or early morning on Saturday “during its passage over or near the Luzon landmass.”
“Further intensification is likely once Obet reaches the West Philippine Sea,” PAGASA said.
Obet was forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, PAGASA also said.
PAGASA weather specialist Raymond Ordinario said Obet’s track shifted a little upward due to the movement of the high pressure system.
“But we are not ruling out the possibility it will hit the northern Luzon, that’s why we are asking our countrymen, especially in Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte to take precaution,” said Ordinario.
“These are the areas we’re monitoring that might be directly affected by tropical depression Obet,” said Ordinario.
PAGASA said Obet, this morning, will start to bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains to Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, the northern portion of Ilocos Norte, and mainland Cagayan. Light to moderate with at times heavy rains are possible in the northern portions of Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, and the rest of Ilocos Norte and mainland Cagayan.
Ruelie Rapsing, head of the Cagayan provincial disaster risk reduction and management office, said assets and personnel of the province have been pre-deployed to render assistance to those who will be affected by Obet.
“They are assigned to different municipalities that we consider areas of concern,” said Rapsing.
Rapsing said the province has issued an advisory for pre-emptive evacuation of residents, particularly those living in the hazard areas.
Rapsing also said the province has enough relief goods for distribution to residents who will be affected by Obet.
Cagayan had been severely affected by typhoon “Neneng.”
Several towns in the province have declared states of calamity.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has sent an additional some P12.2 million worth of food and non-food items to areas affected by Neneng in Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
The DSWD said its field offices are still on standby and closely coordinating with affected provinces. As of October 20, it also said, 347 families or 1,159 persons remained displaced in Region I (Ilocos), II (Cagayan Valley) and CAR.
Ninety-four families (347 individuals) are taking temporary shelter in seven evacuation centers in Ilocos and CAR, while 253 families (812 persons) are staying with relatives or friends. — With Jocelyn Montemayor
