Typhoon Tisoy enters PAR

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Tisoy entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) yesterday and is expected to bring heavy rains across Luzon, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Tisoy (international name Kammuri) entered the country at 4 p.m., automatically raising storm alert warnings in areas where the storm is expected to hit landmass.

PAGASA hoisted Signal No. 1 over Eastern Samar and the eastern section of Northern
Samar (Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Catubig and Las Navas). 

Upon entering the Philippine area of responsibility, Tisoy was spotted 1,165 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes.

With maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 185 kph, Tisoy is moving west southwest at 15 kph. It was forecast to hit the Bicol region on Sunday.

The provincial governments of Albay and Catanduanes began preparations early.

Regional Office of Civil Defense (OCD) director Claudio Yucot said they have alerted all concerned government responders and local government officials to carry out preemptive evacuations of residents in flood, landslide and lahar prone areas.

Classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, were ordered suspended on Monday and Tuesday, when Tisoy is anticipated to make landfall.

“No sailing policy and trimming of tree branches are already being implemented by different local government units,” Yucot added.

Catanduanes Gov. Shirley Abundo said classes and work in government offices have been suspended starting Monday. Rescue crews and hospitals have also been placed on alert as preemptive evacuation of residents in high risk areas was enforced.

Tisoy is expected to make the first pass over Catanduanes in the Bicol region.

Tisoy is also expected to barrel through the Southern Tagalog region, Metro Manila and Central Luzon, where several events of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) will be held until Dec. 11.

SEAG organizers said Tisoy could delay or even cancel the competitions. The main sporting venues in Clark and Subic are in or near the typhoon’s path.

The National Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC) said they are monitoring the situation of the venues and the welfare of the athletes ahead of the approaching storm.

NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad said they have to ensure the safety of around 10,934 athletes and officials from 11 countries participating in the SEAG, along with 2,800 technical officials, 1,500 press and media personalities, 12,000 Filipino and foreign volunteers and the thousands of spectators watching the games.

“All departments, bureaus, agencies and instrumentalities of government, including government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges are hereby directed to render full support and assistance, consistent with their respective mandates, to the Philippine SEAG Organizing Committee (PHISGOC),” Jalad said.

The NDRRMC said they would consider Tuesday and Wednesday next week as “highly critical” as Tisoy is expected to pass over the sporting venues located in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“If the need arises, we are prepared to move the athletes back to their hotels which will serve as their evacuation centers,” NDRRMC spokesman Mark Timbal said.

In the eventuality that some of the hotels where the local and foreign athletes are currently staying are located in high-risk areas, the athletes will be transferred to other hotels, the second pre-designated evacuation areas. – Jaime Laude, Cet Dematera