‘Helen’ nears Batanes, Taiwan, maintains strength

This chart shows the track of Typhoon Helen (international name Megi) as projected by Pagasa. PAGASA PHOTO

Typhoon Helen (international name Megi) has maintained its strength as it neared the Batanes-Taiwan area midday Monday, the state weather bureau said.

Signal No. 2 remained hoisted over the Batanes Group of Islands, while Signal No. 1 was raised in Northern Cagayan including the Babuyan Group of Islands, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its bulletin.

Helen was last tracked 530 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph. It also slowed down slightly at 20 kph west northwest.

Pagasa forecasters said that the typhoon may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday afternoon or evening. CBB/rga