MANILA, (PIA) — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued early warnings about the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Ofel, which may cause flash floods and landslides in Northern Luzon.
In a press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office, PAGASA Assistant Weather Specialist Chief Chris Perez urged residents, particularly those affected by Tropical Storm Nika, to stay alert and to prepare for the approaching storm.
According to Perez, heavy rainfall from the recent storm Nika has saturated the ground in Northern Luzon, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in the region.
“Sa mga kababayan natin sa Northern Luzon, kung nag-uulan na during the last few days, medyo saturated na mga kalupaan. Mas malaki ang tsansa na magkaroon ng flashfloods and landslides sa mga darating na araw dahil andito pa ‘yung epekto ng bagyong si Nika and then paparating na bagyong Ofel,” he explained.
(For our residents in Northern Luzon, if it has been raining in the last few days, the ground is already saturated. There is a greater chance of flash floods and landslides in the coming days due to the residual effects of Storm Nika and the approaching Ofel.)
“Dapat paghandaan ng mga kababayan natin partikular na sa Northern, Central Luzon area sa posibleng epekto ni Ofel sa kanilang lugar,” he added.
(Residents, especially in the Northern, Central Luzon area, should prepare for the possible impact of Ofel in their area.)
As of 11:00 a.m., the storm was located approximately 1,170 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, moving west-northwest at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour. It has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 105 kilometers per hour.
Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Storm Nika is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) later today.
Tropical Storm Ofel has slightly intensified as it traverses the Philippine Sea and approaches land, according to PAGASA’s 11:00 a.m. weather update. The storm is expected to make landfall in either Northern or Central Luzon by Thursday afternoon or evening.
The latest tracking and intensity outlook from PAGASA suggests that Ofel may strengthen further over the next three days and could be upgraded to Typhoon status by tomorrow, November 13.
Authorities are advising everyone to remain vigilant and follow official channels for any changes in weather conditions. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo courtesy: PIA Cagayan Valley)
