As Ompong makes landfall in Luzon: Strong winds to hit Visayas

CEBU, Philippines —  While the Visayas is far from the path of typhoon Ompong, the weather bureau has warned residents in the region of the strong winds that can be experienced here.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Lapu-Lapu City issued a gale warning across the Visayas region yesterday afternoon.

“Ang gibantayan gyud nato karon mao ang hangin tungod kay kusog gyud,” said PAGASA Cebu chief Alfredo Quiblat.

Strong to gale force winds associated with typhoon Ompong are expected to cause rough sea conditions. Yesterday, the weather station in Lapu-Lapu City recorded an actual wind force of 45 to 61 kilometers per hour.

This kind of intensity, Quiblat said, can generate wave height as high as 4.5 meters or equivalent to a one-story building.

Aside from the strong winds, Cebu province is predicted to experience cloudy skies, scattered rains (light to moderate), and thunderstorms.

Yesterday’s weather condition was due to the trough (or extension) of typhoon Ompong, which also enhanced the strength of the Southwest monsoon (or Habagat).

Quiblat said Ompong maintained its intensity with maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour.

However, it changed its movement from westward direction to west northwest, still at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, according to PAGASA.

At 1 p.m. yesterday, the eye of typhoon Ompong was spotted travelling across the seas about 470 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora.

It is expected to make landfall in northern Luzon at dawn today.

Improved weather may be expected in Cebu by Sunday as Ompong is expected to leave the country.

Effects

Despite the rains and winds yesterday, no untoward incident was recorded in Central Visayas, according to the Office of Civil Defense in Region 7.

OCD-7 spearheads coordination Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils in the region.

Engr. Ver Neil Balaba of OCD-7 said the Coast Guard also has not reported maritime incidents, apart from the inconvenience on the part of passengers because of cancelled trips.

The Coast Guard has cancelled all outgoing trips from Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Lt. Junior Grade Michael John Encina said sea travels from Cebu will resume at 5 a.m. on Sunday, September 16.

Operations at Terminal 1 and 2 of the Cebu Port Authority were also suspended yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Visayan Electric Company announced it has started 12-hour shifts among its personnel for immediate response in the event of emergencies. Customers may reach VECO via 230-8326, as well as through its social media accounts.

Response

At least 120 personnel from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) are on standby for immediate response in the event of landslides.

City police director Royina Garma said yesterday they have readied their available Search and Rescue (SAR) equipment.

“Our role in the disaster preparedness is to ensure the public safety and security, so yun ang magiging role namin sa ngayon… we are ready, we have 120 personnel na naka-reserve to respond anytime,” Garma said.

She said personnel of the Cebu Mobile Force Company detailed in the mountain barangays are also keeping an eye at landslide-prone areas.

“Monitored na ang mountain barangays, kasi we are expecting baka may flooding or erosion or landslide, we are ready,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, the deputy mayor for police matters, said the city’s resources are ready for deployment.

“Andam ang kagamhanan sa siyudad sa Sugbu nga ipagamit, sa mga ekipo, sama sa mga sakyanan, as long as makatabang mi sa mga taw, in case makamugna og epekto ang bagyo diri sa Sugbu,” he said. — with Odessa O. Leyson, JMO (FREEMAN)