Batangas struck by a landslide caused by CarinaPH

AS TYPHOON “Carina” (International Name: Gaemi) continues to intensify as it moves northward across the Philippine Sea, multiple northern provinces in Luzon are currently receiving massive hits due to the strengthening of the southwest monsoon or habagat.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Nasugbu, Batangas, alerted its residents via Facebook that the Nasugbu-Magallanes Road / East-West Road is temporarily closed. 

Photo Courtesy: Mdrrmo Nasugbu Batangas | Facebook

This is due to a landslide that struck Barangay Bulihan, rendering the route impassable for any vehicle. Meanwhile, the Kaybiang Tunnel and the Nasugbu-Tagaytay highway offer an alternative option.

Latest weather forecast

According to PAGASA-DOST’s 11:00AM weather forecast, Typhoon Carina’s center was projected to be 320 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, or 405 kilometers east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, at 10:00 a.m. 

Furthermore, projected rainfall is typically “higher” in elevated or hilly places. Given that notion, flooding and rain-induced landslides are feasible, just like what Batangas experienced.

Photo Courtesy: Mdrrmo Nasugbu Batangas | Facebook

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible,” says PAGASA in their weather forecast.

“Especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in official hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days.”

Meanwhile, Carina is anticipated to continue moving north today, gradually speeding before turning northwest tomorrow, July 24. Nonetheless, the typhoon will remain far from the Philippine landmass. 

Storm signals

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is currently active in Batanes. The locals are warned to avoid the sea and coastal waters since they are unsafe to small boats. 

Signal No. 1 is raised in Cagayan and includes the Babuyan Islands, the eastern portion of Isabela, the northern portion of Apayao, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte. 

Also covered by TCWS No. 1 are the northern portion of Aurora, the Polillo Islands, the Calaguas Islands, and the northern portion of Catanduanes.

Photo Courtesy: Danica Ulanday | republicasia

Meanwhile, as of 2:00PM, PAGASA’s newest Heavy Rainfall Warning on X (Formerly Twitter) for Cavite, Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, and Batangas (Tuy, Nasugbu, Lian, Calatagan, Balayan) is at Orange Warning Level. 

Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, and other parts of Batangas are in the Yellow Warning Zone. Both levels are related with the possibility of flooding, depending on the location.

A reminder to the public mass

As Carina continues to make its way to the country’s north, PAGASA advises the people to continue preparing and take all essential precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” says PAGASA.

“Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.”

“For heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm/rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local PAGASA Regional Services Division,” the forecast added.

Typhoon Carina is projected to make landfall over northern Taiwan, possibly tomorrow evening or Thursday morning (July 25). Following its landing, it will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).