APD | Government prepares for 21st tropical cyclone this 2019

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA – Disaster prone Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon have prepared for this year’s 21st tropical cyclone expected to intensify as it moves closer to Eastern Visayas on Christmas eve with heavy rains until Christmas Day (December 25) in Central Philippines, Southern Luzon and Northern Mindanao.

Tropical Storm “Ursula” was traced at 2:00 P.M. today by the government-run PAGASA some 845 kilometers East of Surigao del Norte with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 100 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Caraga regions which are still reeling from “Kammuri” known in the Philippines as “Tisoy” which packed of up to 210 kilometers per hour.

The government said very rough seas would pose danger to small sea crafts and have already advised against travelling within the northern and eastern seaboards.

Government officials warned residents from 2,939 villages in mountainous areas of possible landslides while 3,652 villages are highly susceptible to flooding.

“Blue Alert” has been declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as of this afternoon.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)