Amang may weaken into LPA today

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Amang will continue to bring heavy rains over parts of Luzon, but may weaken into a low-pressure area today.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Amang was monitored in the vicinity of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur.

In an advisory issued at 5 p.m. yesterday, PAGASA said tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Albay, Aurora, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Rizal and Sorsogon.

State weather forecasters said 50 to 100 millimeters of accumulated rainfall is expected over Calabarzon and Metro Manila as well as in Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Pampanga, Tarlac and the southern portion of Aurora.

The public has been warned of possible isolated flash floods and rain-induced landslides during continuous downpour.

Amang was last spotted moving northwestward slowly with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.

The cyclone may weaken into a low-pressure area today due to the combined effects of land interaction, dry air intrusion and increasing vertical wind shear.

Amang made first landfall over Panganiban, Catanduanes on Tuesday night followed by another in Presentacion, Camarines Sur at 1 p.m. yesterday.

PAGASA said Amang might pass over the eastern localities in Camarines Sur, Lamon Bay and Quezon.

Classes suspended

Face-to-face and online classes were suspended in some areas yesterday due to Amang.

Based on existing policies, classes in public elementary and high schools are automatically suspended in areas under tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1.

Several local government units in Albay, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte suspended classes in all levels in both private and public schools.

In Naga City, classes up to senior high school in both private and public schools were suspended as well as in some areas in Aurora, Bulacan, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal and Nueva Ecija.

More than 4,000 sea travelers were stranded after port operations were suspended due to Amang, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG said 2,098 passengers, drivers and helpers were stranded along with two vessels and 380 rolling cargoes in Bicol, particularly in Matnog, Pilar Pioduran and Tabaco.

Six vessels deferred their travel and took shelter in different ports.

The PCG said 1,903 passengers, drivers and helpers were stranded at the ports of Sta. Clara Dapdap and Looc in Eastern Visayas along with nine vessels, four motorized bancas and 293 rolling cargoes. – Janvic Mateo, Robertzon Ramirez, Bella Cariaso, Rudy Santos

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