St. Michael the Archangel chapel in Virac, Catanduanes, accepts evacuees in anticipation of Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi), which is forecast to further gain power and become a super typhoon by Saturday, November 16, 2024, before landfall in the province. PHOTO FROM ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHAPEL’S FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines — The impending approach of Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) has moved residents to churches under the Diocese of Virac in Catanduanes.
Pepito was forecast to further gain power and become a super typhoon by Saturday, November 16, before landfall in the province, which is anticipated to receive torrential rains this weekend.
At least 150 people from the coastal areas of Barangay Tubli in Caramoan town sought refuge in Tubli Parish, according to a Radyo Pilipinas report.
St. Michael the Archangel Chapel in Virac also accepted evacuees.
“As part of a preemptive evacuation, they find refuge within the walls of our churches,” the Diocese of Virac said in its Facebook post on Saturday.
“Together, we weather the storm with an unshakable spirit,” it added.
Pepito will make landfall in the vicinity of Catanduanes on Saturday night or early Sunday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
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Pagasa said in its 5 a.m. cyclone bulletin that Pepito was last spotted 220 kilometers (km) east-northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar or 305 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 215 kph. The tropical cyclone was moving west-northwest at 25 kph.
The Diocese of Virac also enjoined the faithful to recite the Oratio Imperata prayer in anticipation of Pepito.
“Catanduanes, we’ve weathered many storms together… We’ve faced fierce typhoons…, and each time, our strength and faith have seen us through. We are resilient, and with the Lord by our side, we will overcome this one, too,” it said in another Facebook post.
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“Let’s be one in prayer and preparation. Let faith be our anchor, and hope our guiding light.”
“The storm may be strong, but our spirit is stronger. We will get through this. Together, we will see brighter days ahead,” it added.