‘Amang’ intensifies; threatens Pope visit in Tacloban

Pagasa satellite image as of 6:32 AM, Saturday January 17, 2015

MANILA, Philippines—Pope Francis visit to Tacloban City is threatened by Tropical Storm “Amang” (international name Mekkhala) as it gets stronger early Saturday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in its 4 a.m. advisory said “Amang” was spotted at 220 km east southeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

Pagasa said it has maximum sustained winds of 100 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 130 kph. It is forecast to move west at 17 kph northeast monsoon affecting Northern and Central Luzon.

Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region are expected to be stormy with rough to very rough seas. Central Visayas, Calabarzon and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Dinagat will have rains with gusty winds with moderate to rough seas.

Pagasa said Western Visayas, the rest of Mindanao and Palawan will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains. Thunderstorms are likely to occur over these areas. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have cloudy skies with light rains.

Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar are under public storm warning signal no.2.

Southern Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Burias Island, incl. Ticao Island, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Camotes Island, Bantayan Island, Extreme Northern Cebu and Dinagat Island are under public storm warning signal no.2.

Pope Francis left the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila at around 7 a.m. and is expected to arrive at the Daniel Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City at 8:45 a.m. for a one-day visit.

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