‘Hanna’ regains strength, monsoon-enhanced rains seen

TYPHOON Hanna (Soudelor) re-intensified after it slightly weakened on Wednesday afternoon, the state weather bureau said.

As of 4 p.m., Hanna packed maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 250 kph, moving west northwest at 20 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

The typhoon was last spotted at 1,720 kilometers east of Luzon.

Chris Perez, senior weather specialist Pagasa, said in a televised press briefing that parts of the Philippines would experience rains in the coming days due to the typhoon although it will not make landfall.

Hanna entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday morning.

Starting Thursday until Saturday, there will be light to moderate rains in Zamboanga, Negros, Iloilo, Antique and Capiz.

Landslides and floods are possible in these areas.

Moderate to heavy rains will be concentrated in the western section of Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan on Thursday.

From Saturday until Wednesday, flooding and landslides are possible in areas of Mindoro, Calabarzon, Bataan, Zambales, Ilocos region and National Capital Region due to frequent rains.

Monsoon-enhanced rains may be felt in Metro Manila starting Friday evening, Perez said.

Hanna is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday.

Perez also warned of risky sea travel in Visayas and Mindanao due to the southwest monsoon and in northeast and eastern seaboard of Luzon due to Hanna.

Public storm signals may also be raised in extreme northern Luzon as the typhoon nears Taiwan.