PhilSA advisory: Debris from Chinese rocket may fall in PH territory

(Photo from PhilSA)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said on Friday that China launched its Long March 5 Y7 rocket and that debris may fall in Philippine territory.

The rocket was launched on Friday around 7:34 p.m. Philippine time.

READ: PhilSA warns public of falling debris from Chinese rocket in West PH Sea

According to the PhilSA, debris from the rocket launch may fall around 97 nautical miles (NM) away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan, and 113 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 97 NM (DZ 1) away from Dalupuri Island, Cagayan and 113 NM (DZ 2) away from Santa Ana, Cagayan,” the PhilSA said in its advisory.

The PhilSA cautioned that falling debris may pose hazards to passing sea or aircraft and that debris may wash up on nearby coastlines.

READ: China denies ‘forceful’ retrieval of rocket debris in South China Sea

“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” it added.

The agency also told the public to inform authorities if they encounter suspected debris as they may contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

“PhilSA reiterates its earlier advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel,” it concluded.