Storm signals up as ‘Pablo’ hits Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve areas in Mindanao were placed under public storm signal No. 3 yesterday as super typhoon “Pablo” barreled toward the region, prompting some local government units to implement preemptive evacuation and suspend classes to avoid severe losses and damage to lives and property.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Pablo, (international name Bopha), is expected to make landfall over Davao Oriental-Surigao del Sur between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. today. It will not directly hit Manila if it maintains its current path.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, storm signal No. 3 had been hoisted over Surigao del Norte, Siargao, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte and Samal Island.

Signal no. 2 was up in Southern Leyte, Bohol, Southern Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Zamboanga del Norte.

Areas under signal no. 1 included Northern Palawan, Calamian Group of Islands, Cuyo Island, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, the rest of Cebu, Camotes Island, Zamboanga del Sur, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and South Cotabato.

PAGASA’s 5 p.m. update showed the typhoon moving west-northwest at 26 kilometers per hour (kph).

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the eye of the storm was spotted 390 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph.

“Storm signals have been raised in areas still experiencing good weather as of Monday morning. The typhoon could be felt within 24 hours. We are giving the public time to prepare,” weather forecaster Jori Loiz said.

He said areas under storm warning signals will experience heavy to intense rains (15 to 30 millimeters) and strong winds (45 kph to 185 kph) within 24 hours.

After its landfall over Davao Oriental-Surigao del Sur area, Pablo will cross Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Panay Island.

Loiz said the typhoon is expected to weaken slightly after crossing the Visayas and would further lose strength after passing the northern Palawan-Mindoro area on its way to the West Philippine Sea by Thursday.

PAGASA weather division chief Robert Sawi said light to moderate rains will prevail over Southern Tagalog, as well Metro Manila, due to the enhanced northeast monsoon by Wednesday night.

Pablo, the 16th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year, is expected to be in the vicinity of Cagayan de Oro City this afternoon; 110 kms southwest of Iloilo City tomorrow afternoon; and 330 kms west of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro by Thursday afternoon.

Sawi warned the public in areas along the path of the typhoon against possible landslides

Loiz said Pablo would leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday, adding there is a possibility that the typhoon will dissipate.

Preemptive evacuation

The typhoon prompted local authorities in Mindanao to order immediate evacuation of thousands of residents in coastal and low-lying areas.

The mayor of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur has urged a village of 39,000 people to prepare for the worst, ordering those living along the coast, flood-prone river valleys, and tiny islands to move to government shelters.

“There is no rain yet but they might start to experience rain tonight. This will be the strongest typhoon this year,” warned Edgardo Ollet, director of the civil defense office in Manila.

PAGASA said Pablo was expected to bring “intense to heavy rainfall” over Hinatuan and surrounding areas as well as the central Philippine islands.

Massive preemptive evacuations have also been carried out yesterday in Caraga and Eastern Visayas regions, according to officials of local office of civil defense (OCD).

OCD-Caraga director Blanchie Gobenciong said they were ready to deploy rescue teams and equipment to the region’s critical areas.

“Aside from Hinatuan town, residents along coastal municipalities in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Siargao in Dinagat, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Davao Oriental, have already evacuated,” Gobenciong said.

Preemptive evacuations were also carried out in the coastal towns of Samar and Leyte.

“All these areas where preemptive evacuations were conducted are all facing the Pacific Ocean,” Gobenciong said, adding that part of their ongoing preparation is the assumption that a wide area of the region would be without electricity after the storm.

On this note, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), the country’s power transmission service provider, said they are prepared to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of typhoon Pablo on their operations and facilities.

Specifically, the NGCP said their preparations include ensuring the reliability of communications equipment, availability of hardware materials and supplies necessary for the repair of damaged facilities.

The company said it has also positioned its line crews in strategic areas to facilitate immediate restoration work.

Classes suspended

Private and public elementary schools, including daycare schools in Surigao City, suspended classes Monday morning after the city was placed under typhoon signal No. 1.

Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas ordered the suspension of classes as part of contingency plans.

The provincial government of Davao Oriental also suspended classes after PAGASA placed the province under signal number 3.

Although Mati City was experiencing fair weather, the city government opted to cancel classes in all levels yesterday due to the PAGASA advisory.

Edgar Salanio, of the Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, made the announcement over the radio, including the suspension of work in local government offices.

NDRRMC readies rescue equipment, food packs

Authorities have also been stockpiling food supplies and rescue equipment, with military and coast guard personnel deployed in vulnerable areas amid fears the typhoon could trigger landslides and floods.

Benito Ramos, executive director of the National Disaster Risk, Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said provincial officials have placed food packs and other emergency equipment in areas where the typhoon may pass.

President Aquino said in yesterday’s briefing in Malacañang that some P42.248-million worth of food packs and other relief goods were on standby and ready to be delivered when the need arises.

Olive Luces, head of the National Capital Region-OCD, warned local officials to not take the typhoon lightly.

“The weather is good right now but we keep advising local governments not to be complacent because this is going to get worse,” she said.

P-Noy appeals to residents

President Aquino appealed yesterday to residents of areas that would be hit by the typhoon to heed government warnings to minimize damage.

Aquino, speaking in a live broadcast from Malacañang, said the government was ready but would need the help and cooperation of everyone, noting that even areas not in the typhoon’s path could be affected.

He said what was important was for everyone to listen to warnings and abide by them.

“Let us pray and help one another, come together to avoid a big disaster,” Aquino said.

The President said the NDRRMC had been on red alert and PAGASA and other government agencies would provide bulletins and updates. With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Aurea Calica, Evelyn Macairan, Ben Serrano, Jose Rodel Clapano, Edith Regalado, Jaime Laude, Non Alquitran, Roel Pareño, Rhodina Villanueva, Neil Jerome Morales, Alexis Romero, AP