Manila: Typhoon Krosa made landfall in northern Philippines’ Cagayan province on Thursday afternoon as Filipinos brace for the impact of the 22nd weather disturbance to hit the country this year,
The effects of Krosa, locally referred to as “Vinta” was felt just past 4pm as powerful 130km/h winds battered Northern Luzon’s eastern seaboard, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomic Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
Around noon on Thursday, Pagasa had placed under typhoon warning signal number 3 the provinces of Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte as well as the Calayan and Babuyan Island groups.
Krosa, which made landfall in Santa Ana, Cagayan, was moving at a west-northwest direction at a speed of 26km/h. Due to its relatively fast transit, it is expected to be out of the Philippines area of responsibility by Friday afternoon.
Placed under warning signal number 2 are the Batanes Group of Islands, Abra, Kalinga, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province and Isabela.
Typhoon signal number 1 is being observed in the Northern Philippines province of La Union, Benguet, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales.
Pagasa said the typhoon will dump 5-15mm of rain per hour, which is considered moderate to heavy, within its 500km diameter.
“Areas under Signals 3, 2, and 1 are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides and coastal areas under Signal 3 and 2 are alerted against possible storm surges. Sea travel is not encouraged and considered risky over the Northern and Eastern seaboards of Luzon,” the weather bureau warned.
“Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signals 3, 2 and 1 are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas under signal 3 and 2 are alerted against storm surges,” Pagasa said.
In preparation for the arrival of heavy rains, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the Magat Dam in Isabela in Cagayan Valley had conducted precautionary release of stock water.
Sailings scheduled for northern Luzon have also been cancelled by the Philippines Coast Guard while at least eight flights to the region were cancelled due to the typhoon.
The arrival of the typhoon coincides with the Filipinos’ observance of All Souls Day on Friday, a special occasion when they visit the tomb of their departed relatives.
Pagasa said while Filipinos in Mindanao, Visayas islands and the rest of Luzon have nothing to worry concerning heavy rains, those in the Northern Luzon will have to take extra precaution on Friday.
Filipinos are expected to troop to the provinces and cemeteries in Metro Manila on Friday as well as Saturday and Sunday during the three-day long weekend.
