Typhoon Mirinae expected to hit Philippines on Friday

Manila: A typhoon alert was raised over eastern portions of Luzon yesterday as Typhoon Mirinae enters the country ahead of All Saints Day.

According to Prisco Nilo, administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), parts of the country will experience stormy weather as Typhoon Mirinae moves in a northeastern path.

"Stormy weather can be expected by Friday in the eastern side of Luzon including the Bicol Region," Nilo said, adding heavy rains are expected tomorrow as Typhoon Mirinae (Santi) is expected to cut a path from the eastern province of Aurora and cross the Southern portion of northern Luzon and the whole Central Luzon.

A signal 2 warning has been raised over Polillo Island while a signal 1 is being observed in the provinces of Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Nueva Viscaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Camarines Nortre and Camarines Sur.

Dangerous

Nilo said rains brought by Mirinae are also expected to affect Metro Manila.

He warned the public not to underestimate Mirinae. According to PAGASA, Mirinae will bring in 150 to 185 km/h winds and move in a westward direction at 24 km/h.

"The winds could be strong enough to topple billboards. However, Mirinae is moving quite fast so we do not expect it to linger like the previous weather disturbance that caused much destruction in Luzon recently," Nilo said as he referred to Typhoons Ketsana and Parma.

Nilo said they expect Mirinae to cause an average of 10 to 15 millimetres of rainfall per hour.

The weather bureau official said there is also a possibility Mirinae will gather strength as it hovers over the Pacific Ocean.

The arrival of the typhoon comes as millions of Filipinos are expected to return to their home provinces in the coming days to honour their dead relatives on All Saints Day on Sunday.

Nilo advised travellers, especially those travelling by sea to postpone their trip.

"It is very dangerous to travel especially those going to Visayas and Mindanao," he said.

PAGASA has advised residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to take precautions against flashfloods and landslides.