IMPASSABLE. Fallen trees block the national highway of Casambalangan in Santa Ana, Cagayan, rendering it impassable starting Thursday, Nov. 7. (Photo courtesy of ALYSSA LIQUIGAN)
MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair Gilberto Teodoro has instructed all regional directors to prepare for the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Nika (international name: Toraji).
Teodoro’s directive came after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raised wind signals in various Luzon areas.
The weather bureau also predicted that Nika would make landfall over Isabela or Aurora province on Monday.
READ: Nika sustains strength over PH Sea, signal no. 2 up in many areas in Luzon
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Office of the Civil Defense said Teodoro and its officials met to address key concerns regarding “potential secondary hazards, such as wind strength and storm surge.”
“As part of the safety measures discussed, all marine activities in the affected regions are to be canceled,” the agency said.
“Regional directors are tasked with ensuring preparedness in their respective areas, and the public is strongly urged to remain vigilant and follow updates from the OCD, Pagasa and local authorities,” it added.
Nika underwent rapid intensification and may reach the typhoon category within the day.
The severe tropical storm was last spotted 690 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon.
It carries maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 125 kph.
Nika is moving north-northwestward at 30 kph.