Marce to bring torrential rains
Credit to Author: Alexis Romero| Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — State weather forecasters yesterday advised the public to brace for torrential rains and winds as Typhoon Marce is forecast to make landfall over Northern Luzon starting this afternoon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that Marce (Yinxing) will traverse Babuyan Islands and the northern portions of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Apayao later this afternoon until tomorrow morning.
Marce will reach its peak today before its passage as it was carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center, gustiness of up to 185 kph.
PAGASA warned of intense to torrential rains of over 200 millimeters in Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte today. It was monitored 295 km east of Aparri, Cagayan as it moves over the waters east of Northern Cagayan.
Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 3 was raised over the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan.
Signal No. 2 was hoisted over Batanes, the rest of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, northern portion of Kalinga, northern portion of Abra, Ilocos Norte and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur.
Meanwhile, signal No. 1 was raised over the rest of Ilocos Sur, La Union, the northwestern portion of Pangasinan, the rest of Abra, the rest of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and the northern portion of Aurora.
Marce could exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday evening and could weaken during the interaction with the terrain of mainland Luzon.
It is forecast to weaken during the weekend following the surge of the northeasterly windflow.
PAGASA said there is a high risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak surge heights exceeding three meters in exposed coastal localities of Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union.
President Marcos yesterday placed all state agencies on high alert as the Philippines, which is still reeling from the aftermath of previous cyclones, braces for the impact of Typhoon Marce.
In a statement, Marcos called on government entities to prepare for the typhoon in accordance with existing disaster management guidelines.
“To the agencies of government, you all know the drill. I am placing you all (on) high alert,” the President said in Filipino. “Remember, every life is important. So let us always be prepared, let us always be careful.”
Speaking during the distribution of aid to farmers and fisherfolk in Camarines Sur, Marcos directed the Department of Budget and Management to ensure that government’s response to disasters through the quick response fund is continuous, as a new typhoon threatens the country.
Marcos has called on government agencies to ensure an orderly system of communication so advisories and information can be relayed to the public.
He also ordered authorities to monitor water levels in waterways and reservoirs.
“Prepare all rescue equipment in all levels of government and in all agencies that can contribute equipment, especially vehicles,” the President added.
Government entities were also tasked to pre-position relief goods in safe warehouses so they can be accessed and delivered quickly to those who will need them.
Marcos said that the public works and transportation departments are on standby for road-clearing operations. “Use not just your machinery and truck. Private companies who are part of our Build Better More infrastructure programs should also be involved,” he added.
Marcos yesterday distributed over P100 million in financial assistance and government services to farmers, fisherfolk and their families in Bicol areas ravaged by recent cyclones. — Rudy Santos