After consecutive cyclones pummeled the country, the public is once again advised to brace for another possible typhoon.
Tropical Depression “Ulysses” is forecast to make landfall over Bicol Region-Quezon area on Wednesday and may intensify into typhoon prior to its landfall, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in an emergency meeting today of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
As of 10:00 a.m. today, the center of TD “ULYSSES” was located 605 km East of Borongan City, Eastern Samar with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. Currently, no tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised however PAGASA noted that TCWS No. 1 may be raised over the provinces in the Bicol Region or Eastern Visayas tonight or early tomorrow morning in anticipation of the onset of strong breeze to near gale conditions.
The Tail-End of a cold front will bring moderate to heavy rains with at times intense rains over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and Aurora, the state weather bureau added.
NDRRMC advises Regional DRRMCs and Local DRRM offices that may be affected to continue monitoring weather updates, intensify warning dissemination, and implement prescribed precautionary measures.
NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad also reminded RDRRMCs to harness make use of all available means of communication to ensure that warnings are well-cascaded to communities.
RDRRMCs have been conducting Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meetings to prepare the localities. The public is again advised to take precautionary measures as flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur in highly susceptible areas during heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm “TONYO” is now outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. TD “Ulysses” is the fourth in the train of tropical cyclones after Super Typhoon “Rolly” Severe Tropical Storm “Siony” and TS “Tonyo”.