Helen makes landfall over eastern Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Helen (international name Megi) made landfall over eastern Taiwan yesterday and was expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility last night.

However, the typhoon’s outer spiral will continue to bring rains and gusty winds over Batanes until this morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA maintained tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 over Batanes group of islands as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

The weather bureau has lifted the cyclone signal over northern Cagayan, including Babuyan islands.

Helen maintained its strength even after hitting landmass in Taiwan.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the eye of Helen was spotted at 400 kilometers north-northeast of Basco, Batanes, packing winds of 160 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph.

It was forecast to move west-northwest at 20 kph.

Rene Paciente, chief of PAGASA’s marine meteorological services section, said Helen was also forecast to make a second landfall in China today.

The southwest monsoon, which was slightly enhanced by Helen, would still bring light to moderate rains over the western section of Luzon, including Metro Manila, until today, he said.

Paciente said improved weather condition is expected in most areas in extreme northern Luzon beginning today, except for Batanes, which will still experience rains and gusty winds from the outer spiral of the typhoon.

By tomorrow, generally fair weather is forecast in the entire country, he said.

He said no weather disturbance is likely to affect the country in the next few days.

However, Paciente said a new cyclone was spotted over the Pacific Ocean but was still 3,000 km away from the Philippines as of yesterday afternoon.

Once this cyclone enters the Philippines, it will be given the local name “Igme.”

Paciente said the new cyclone was expected to enter the northeastern section of the PAR and recurve to the north.

Flights canceled

In a related development, eight international fights were canceled yesterday due to bad weather in China, Taiwan and some parts of Japan.

Two domestic flights bound for Puerto Princesa and Busuanga were also canceled. – With Rudy Santos