MANILA, (PIA) — Tropical Storm Marce is on a trajectory to hit regions recently battered by Severe Storm Kristine and Typhoon Leon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned Monday.
Residents in the storm’s path are urged to prepare for potential impacts.
“Marce’s path lies between the tracks of Kristine and Leon, indicating those areas may face similar threats,” said Pagasa meteorologist Veronica Torres during a briefing.
As of 5 p.m. Monday, Marce was located approximately 740 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching 105 kph. It is currently moving west-northwest over the Philippine Sea, with expectations to intensify into a severe tropical storm by Tuesday and possibly a typhoon by Wednesday.
Senior weather specialist Chris Perez noted that Marce is expected to maintain a generally west-northwest trajectory until Tuesday before shifting westward at a slower pace. The storm could make landfall near Babuyan Islands or mainland northern Cagayan.
Pagasa cautioned that the forecast track may still change due to uncertainties surrounding a high-pressure area north of Marce, potentially shifting the landfall to the Cagayan-Isabela region.
Signal No. 1 may be raised over portions of Cagayan as early as Monday night or Tuesday morning, with the potential for Signal No. 4 in some areas.
In related news, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Talisay, Batangas, to express condolences to residents whose homes were destroyed by Severe Storm Kristine. His visit coincided with a memorial service for the victims, where he affirmed the government’s commitment to assist in recovery efforts.
Batangas was severely affected by Kristine, reporting 61 fatalities, with many deaths attributed to landslides and drowning. The province remains under a state of calamity following extensive flooding.
Proclamation 728 was issued by Malacañang, declaring November 4 a Day of National Mourning in solidarity with the victims’ families. Marcos pledged to expedite recovery efforts, instructing the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to assess critical infrastructure damage, including the Bayuyungan Bridge and roads in Agoncillo.
The DPWH proposed a budget of P150 million for the reconstruction of the damaged Bugaan Bridge and slope protection, alongside P50 million for road repairs.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez appealed for collective support for the victims of Kristine, highlighting the bravery of responders and volunteers during the crisis. He urged Filipinos to engage in acts of kindness as the nation mourns.
As the situation develops, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) remains focused on ensuring preparedness and response operations are in place, urging citizens to stay informed through official advisories. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
