PAG-ASA warns public on tropical storm 'Julian'
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
Cagayan de Oro City (5 August) -- Residents in low lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides that may be brought about by tropical storm "Julian."
"Thus, we are once again warning the public and the disaster coordinating councils (DCC's) concerned to take appropriate actions and watch for the next weather bulletin to be issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), P/Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan of the Philippine National Police (PNP), region 10 said.
Adopting a more proactive stance in managing disaster situation heeds the call of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to ensure a "zero" casualty in times of calamities, especially during the onset of disasters, such as, typhoons and other weather disturbances, Capuyan, Chairperson of the Regional DCC, said.
Per "Tropical Cyclone Warning For shipping" issued by PAG-ASA, the center of TS Julian, as of 10:00 a.m., today, was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 300 km. Northwest of Aparri, Cagayan or at 210 km. Northwest of Loag City, specifically at coordinates 19.6 degrees North and 11.0 degrees East.
It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. moving West at 19 kph. and is expected to be at 320 km. West Northwest of Loag City by tomorrow morning and will be at 680 km. WNW of the city by the evening.
Meanwhile, PAG-ASA has raised Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) No. 1 with winds of 30-80 kph in the next 36 hours in the Batanes Group, Babuyan and Calayan Group of Islands, Northern Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union.
Among the potential impacts of this storm in these areas is that twigs and branches of trees may be broken, some banana plants may tilt or land flat on the ground, rice in flowering stage may suffer significant damage, some nipa and cogon houses may be partially unroofed and sea travel of small sea crafts and fishing boats is risky.
Although no PSWS have been raised in Mindanao, Capuyan said residents in low lying areas and near mountain slopes of the region 10 are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides.
This is because TS Julian is expected to continue to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over the other sections of the country, especially in the western sections, he added. (PIA 10) [top]
