‘Chedeng’ spares PH, veers toward Japan
MANILA, Philippines—Typhoon “Chedeng” swirled north toward Japan on Thursday, sparing the Philippines from a direct hit.
At least one fatality was reported from the typhoon—Jaime Torillos, 75, who went out to sea to fish in spite of the bad weather on Wednesday, police said. His body was retrieved off Barangay Biong in Gigmoto, Catanduanes province.
Thousands of residents who fled to evacuation centers in the Bicol region returned Thursday to their homes after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) lowered storm warnings.
“By the end of the day, they will have all left for home,” said Bernardo Alejandro, the regional civil defense chief.
Robert Sawi, Pagasa chief forecaster, said a high-pressure ridge dissipated, allowing the typhoon to veer away from the country and head toward Japan.
As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, Chedeng was seen 300 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora province, or 200 km east of Aparri, Cagayan province. The typhoon packed more wallop as it moved northwest at 19 kph with peak winds of 175 kph gusting up to 210 kph.
Pagasa said, however, that rains spawned by the typhoon—the second of the season—and the activation of the southwest monsoon were likely to continue until Saturday.
At least 10 flights to and from Samar province and the Bicol region were canceled Thursday.
A total of 5,719 passengers remained stranded for a second day in various ports in Bicol, the Coast Guard reported.
By Thursday noon, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda ordered evacuees to go home, except those living in low-lying areas.
At least 40,000 families had been told to evacuate as a precautionary measure, but the governor said about 16,621 families would remain in evacuation centers in the towns of Libon, Polangui, Oas, Guinobatan and Jovellar.
Salceda also warned against sea travel because of big waves and storm surges.
The departure of Chedeng was welcomed in Ilagan, Isabela, although Gov. Faustino Dy III directed rescue workers and road repair crews to stay at their posts.
Villagers who reside near riverbanks also were told to remain in evacuation centers.
The town resumed preparations for its annual Mammangi Festival and motor racing competitions as the weather improved.
In Baguio City, Cordillera officials maintained rescue teams at strategic sections of the mountain region, the Office of Civil Defense said. With reports from DJ Yap, Jaymee T. Gamil and Tina G. Santos in Manila; Villamor Visaya Jr. and Elmer Kristian Dauigoy, Inquirer Northern Luzon; Mar Arguelles, Inquirer Southern Luzon
