Ester exits PAR

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical depression Ester left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) yesterday morning, but will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing rains to some parts of Luzon.

Also enhancing the southwest monsoon is Tropical Storm Songda, which is still located outside PAR, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As Ester accelerates northward toward Japan, the state weather bureau said the southwest monsoon would bring light to moderate with at times heavy rains over several provinces in the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon.

The tropical depression and the southwest monsoon are also forecast to cause moderate seas over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon.

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” PAGASA said.

“Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” it added.

PAGASA also advised the public to monitor its heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm and rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information specific to certain areas.