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Nika weakens, Tropical Storm Ofel now inside PAR

by Bryan Gadingan

TROPICAL Storm Ofel has reached the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), while Severe Tropical Storm Nika continues to weaken as it moves northwestward over the West Philippine Sea. 

Despite Nika’s significant slowing and weakening as it exits the country, the trend of extreme weather continues as another expected typhoon-like cyclone entered the PAR.

Latest on Nika PH

Based on the most recent PAGASA advisory, the center of Nika’s eye is estimated to be 185 kilometers west of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour around the center and gusts up to 115 km/h. 

Nonetheless, the state weather agency stated that the northeasterly wind flow will continue to produce strong to gale-force gusts over wind-exposed coastal and upland locations:

Today (12 November): Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, and Isabela

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is still hoisted in several provinces, as severe tropical storm Nika is expected to exit PAR within the next 12 hours. 

The said provinces are Ilocos Norte, northern portion of Ilocos Sur, northern portion of Apayao, northern and western portions of Abra, western portion of Babuyan Islands, and northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan.

Another tropical storm

Tropical Storm Ofel was now located 1,170 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, with winds gusting to 90 km/h. It is traveling west-northwest at 25 km/h. 

Ofel, also known as Usagi, is forecast to reach typhoon strength as it approaches the country. TCWS may also be raised over Cagayan Valley this evening or early Wednesday. 

The incoming tropical storm will deliver heavy to strong rains, severe winds, and a dangerous storm surge to Cagayan Valley on November 14, and it may also make landfall in Northern or Central Luzon on Thursday.

PH needs to prepare

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on the other hand, said in an interview with a media on Monday that the administration is constantly prepared in the face of a series of tropical cyclones raging over the nation.

“The problem is there is another one that’s now 3,000 plus kilometers off the coast of Luzon. And that promises to be a stronger one. So, we just have to continue to prepare,” said Marcos Jr.

Meanwhile, as the country and administration prepare for the impending typhoon, Pres. Marcos Jr. also confessed that the government is having difficulty implementing the rehabilitation plans that they have laid out.

“Ngayon, sinasabi natin, mag-isip-isip tayo kasi kung aayusin natin, tapos sisirain na naman ng susunod na bagyo, sayang lang ‘yung ating ginawa,” explained the president during the Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024. 

“So kailangan natin mag-plano. Pero ‘yung mga tao, kailangan na may kuryente, kailangan na may food supply, kailangan na may tubig, kailangan na ayusin ang kanilang buhay,” added Marcos Jr. 

Marcos Jr. advised residents in the storm’s path to follow local government orders. The chief executive also assured the public that the government is ready to respond to typhoon-affected areas, stating that clearing operations are already beginning.

Walang Pasok

Classes at all levels in the following areas have been suspended for today, November 12, due to the inclement weather:

Abra

Angeles City

Baguio City

Benguet

Camarines Sur (until lifted)

Casiguran, Aurora

Dagupan City (also on Nov. 13 for Eugenio Perez Day)

Isabela (Ilagan, San Mateo)

Mountain Province (Bontoc, Paracelis)

Pangasinan (Asingan, Mangatarem, Rosales, San Carlos, San Fabian, Santo Tomas)

San Jose, Tarlac

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