MANILA, Philippines – Inaasahang palalakasin ng Super Typhoon Bavi ang southwest monsoon o habagat, na magdudulot ng katamtaman hanggang malakas na pag-ulan sa kanlurang bahagi ng Luzon at Visayas simula Biyernes, ayon sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration nitong Lunes.
Ayon sa PAGASA, namataan ang Bavi dakong alas-3 ng hapon sa layong 2,120 kilometro silangan ng southeastern Luzon at kumikilos pa-kanluran-hilagang-kanluran sa bilis na 20 kph. Tatawagin itong Inday kapag nakapasok na sa Philippine Area of Responsibility.
“There’s a slim chance that the cyclone will change its direction. Although it is expected to consistently move towards Northern Taiwan, it is still likely to enter PAR by late Tuesday or early Wednesday,” pahayag ni PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando sa Philippine News Agency.
Sinabi ni Servando na patungo ang Bavi sa bahagi ng Northern Luzon at Taiwan, kaya karamihan sa ulan na dala nito ay posibleng bumuhos sa karagatan. Gayunman, maaari pa rin aniyang maapektuhan ang extreme Northern Luzon at mapalakas ang habagat na magdudulot ng katamtaman hanggang malakas na ulan sa kanlurang bahagi ng bansa.
“We advise those residing in flash flood and landslide-prone areas to take precautions,” ani Servando.
Nagbabala rin si Servando na maaaring magdulot ang pinalakas na habagat ng maalon hanggang napakaalong karagatan sa maraming bahagi ng Luzon.
“Based on our latest forecast track, Bavi could directly affect the northern and eastern parts of Northern Luzon. Wind signals may be hoisted starting tomorrow,” dagdag niya.
Hindi rin inaalis ng PAGASA ang posibilidad na magtaas ng wind signals sa ilang bahagi ng Southern Luzon at Eastern Visayas. Hinikayat ni Servando ang publiko “to remain vigilant and stay informed through official weather advisories.”
Samantala, sinabi ng Philippine Army na naka-standby na ang kanilang humanitarian assistance and disaster response units sa mga pangunahing lugar habang patuloy na mino-monitor ng mga awtoridad ang lagay ng panahon.
“Even as the weather disturbance remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the PA has already initiated precautionary measures. HADR units across key areas have been placed on standby, with personnel, equipment, and mobility assets ready for immediate deployment should the need arise,” pahayag ni Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala sa PNA.
Sinabi ni Dema-ala na nagpapatuloy ang koordinasyon sa mga local government units at partner agencies upang matiyak ang maagap at epektibong pagtugon.
“We assure the public that the PA remains prepared to support national and local disaster response efforts to safeguard lives and communities,” dagdag niya.
Patuloy din umanong binabantayan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines ang paggalaw ng sama ng panahon at inihanda na ang mga asset nito para sa posibleng disaster response operations.
“The AFP is in close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs), and local government units to ensure a unified and timely response,” pahayag ni AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
“AFP air, land, and naval assets are likewise on standby for possible utilization in rescue, relief, transport, evacuation, and other disaster response operations. Appropriate directives are being issued to all concerned units to ensure preparedness, rapid mobilization, and effective coordination across all operational areas.”
Nakikipag-ugnayan na rin ang Philippine National Police sa Office of Civil Defense at PAGASA para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng publiko.
“The goal will always be zero casualty. Our disaster response protocol will immediately be in place to ensure the safety and welfare of everybody, especially those living in coastal and low-lying areas,” ayon kay PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. RNT
