Public told to prepare for new typhoon

Image from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

MANILA, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has called on the public to take early precautions and remain vigilant as a new weather disturbance is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility within the next 24 hours.

“Let us engage in proactive planning and stay informed with relevant updates to ensure we are adequately prepared,” Teodoro said in a news release Sunday.

“We are collaborating closely with all concerned agencies to establish a comprehensive and cohesive action plan,” he added.

He said that predictive analyses from the Department of Social Welfare and Development indicate that over a million individuals could be affected by the impending tropical cyclone.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, a low-pressure area off Virac, Catanduanes, is expected to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

Once it enters the country, it will be named Kristine, the 11th tropical cyclone this year.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau reported that 5,688 villages are at risk of landslides and flooding in regions projected to be impacted by Kristine, anticipated to make landfall on the eastern coast of Cagayan by Thursday and may traverse northern Luzon.

The system said it may reach typhoon intensity before landfall.

The rainbands associated with the potential tropical cyclone may bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the Bicol Region, Samar provinces and other areas starting Tuesday.

All monitored dams are still under non-flood status.

—WITH PRIAM NEPMUCENO, CONNIE CALIPAG/PNA