THE state weather agency PAGASA has issued a warning to Filipinos, particularly those in Luzon, that Tropical Depression (TD) Dante could intensify and reach Tropical Storm strength within the day.
In its latest tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said Dante—together with the strengthening Low Pressure Area (LPA) and the Southwest Monsoon—is expected to bring heavy rainfall throughout the day.
As of early Wednesday morning, TD Dante continues to intensify while moving across waters 880 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon, carrying sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 70 kph.
“Dante may reach tropical storm category within the next 12 hours. Further intensification into a severe tropical storm remains less likely but is not ruled out,” PAGASA said.
Strong Rains and Gusts
According to PAGASA’s Heavy Rainfall Warning issued at 8:00 a.m., an orange rainfall warning—the highest alert level—is in effect over Zambales and Bataan, indicating potential serious flooding.
A yellow rainfall warning is currently raised over Pampanga, NCR, Cavite, Bulacan, Tarlac, Rizal, Laguna, and parts of Batangas, including Nasugbu, Lian, Calatagan, Balayan, Tuy, Calaca, Laurel, Lemery, and Agoncillo, where flooding is likely in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Light to moderate rains, occasionally heavy and expected to last up to three hours, are affecting Nueva Ecija, Quezon, and other areas in Batangas.
This includes Alitagtag, Balete, Batangas City, Bauan, Tanauan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Lipa, Lobo, Mabini, Malvar, Mataasnakahoy, Padre Garcia, Rosario, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Santa Teresita, Santo Tomas, Taal, Talisay, Taysan, and Tingloy.
Strong gale-force winds are also anticipated in both coastal and upland areas exposed to intense winds, especially in Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, and Aurora.
Other affected areas include NCR, CALABARZON, the Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, the Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
Due to the nonstop rain and severe flooding, the Philippine National Police confirmed that 12 people have lost their lives as a result of tropical storm Crising and the intensified southwest monsoon.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that 5 individuals drowned in Calabarzon, while 3 others also drowned in the Negros Island Region. Mimaropa, Northern Mindanao, Bangsamoro, and Metro Manila also reported one death each.
Based on current projections, Dante may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow evening, July 24, or early Friday morning, July 25.
PAGASA also predicted that the low-pressure area near Cagayan now has a strong likelihood of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. If it strengthens, it will be given the name “Emong.”
