BY VICTOR REYES and ASHZEL HACHERO
BATANES has been placed under Signal No. 2 due to typhoon “Carina” which continued to move away from the Philippine landmass towards Taiwan where it is forecast to make landfall today or tomorrow.
Four other areas are under Signal No. 1 — namely Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, eastern portion of Isabela, northern portion of Apayao, and northern portion of Ilocos Norte.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA threat to life and property for areas under Signal No. 2 was “minor to moderate” and “minimal to minor” for areas under Signal No. 1.
Rains from Carina and the southwest monsoon caused flooding in several areas in Metro Manila, and prompted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to suspend the implementation of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, or “number coding scheme” yesterday afternoon.
The MMDA’s Pasig River Ferry Service also suspended operations yesterday.
Malacañang suspended work in government offices and classes in all levels in both public and private schools in Metro Manila due to the continued rains.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Carina was some 325 km east northeast of Basco, Batanes, PAGASA said in its bulletin issued at 5 p.m. yesterday.
Carina was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph. It was moving northward at 20 kph.
“On the track forecast, Carina will remain far from the Philippine landmass,” PAGASA said.
“It is also forecast to make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan between tomorrow (Wednesday) evening (or) Thursday morning, then exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) hours later,” added PAGASA.
PAGASA said Carina will cross the Taiwan Strait and make another landfall in southeastern China on Thursday afternoon or evening.
“Carina is forecast to steadily intensify and may reach its peak intensity prior to its landfall over Taiwan due to favorable environment. Rapid intensification remains likely,” it said.
PAGASA said Carina will continue to bring rains in areas in northern Luzon, specifically in Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Apayao, Isabela.
Carina has also enhanced the southwest monsoon which continue to bring rains in many parts of the country, including Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Bicol.
Monitoring by the MMDA Flood Control Information Center showed that although flooding has subsided in many areas, floodwaters were still present at the Andrews and Tramo Extension in Pasay City at around 3 p.m.
The MMDA said the area has gutter deep (around 8 inches) floodwaters, the same as at EDSA Taft.
Gutter deep flood was also monitored at Bonifacio Drive north and southbound in Manila, and at NS Amoranto corner Don Jose St. (10 to 13 inches) in Quezon City.
A portion of G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City was also impassable due to floods at around 1 p.m.
Floodwaters also reached waist level in Barangay Sto. Domingo also in Quezon City.
A toppled tree meanwhile affected traffic flow in Barangay Sikatuna Village also in Quezon City.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued Memorandum Circular 57 suspending government work and classes starting 2 p.m. yesterday.
Government agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness and response to disasters and calamities, and the performance of other vital services, however, were exempted from the suspension.
The memorandum also states that the suspension of work for private companies and offices are left to the discretion of their respective heads.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) was placed on red alert due to continued rains in parts of Luzon and the Visayas due to the southwest monsoon that was enhanced by Carina.
Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said a red alert status means that “all human and material resources are made available for duty and deployment.”
DSWD data showed that as of 6 a.m. of July 23, an initial P190,124 worth of food and non-food relief items have been provided to the affected communities in regions III (Central Luzon), V (Bicol), and VI (Western Visayas).
A total of 224 families or 975 persons have been affected in Bataan, Pampanga, Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Iloilo City. — With Jocelyn Montemayor
