The weather may be generally sunny in Batanes on Wednesday, but the Ivatans have secured their houses in preparation for the possible onslaught of #SionyPH in the province.
The 5:00 PM weather bulletin of PAGASA said Siony has intensified into a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 115 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised in the “northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga) and the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Balintang, Babuyan, Didicas, and Camiguin including their adjoining islets).”
Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco has already ordered strict monitoring of ports to ensure that nobody sails the sea amid higher waves and stronger winds. Needed equipment, evacuation centers, and rescue groups have also been readied in anticipation of a possible heavy impact on the island.
In case of evacuation, residents have been advised to follow minimum health standards to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
The province has already distributed aid on Wednesday that includes 10 kilograms of rice and a kilogram of pork.
“Alam niyo po, hindi po bago sa amin itong ginagawa namin kasi wala pang signal ay ang mga tao dito automatic na po ‘yan na naglalayag ng shutters at nagtatali. Kasi nagbigay kami ng mga tali sa mga munisipyo at mga barangay para i-distribute kapag may announcement na bagyo na papunta dito sa Batanes (These preparations are no longer new to us because the people here automatically prepare their houses even without a typhoon signal. We have already provided ropes for distribution to municipalities and barangays in case a typhoon comes to Batanes),” Cayco stated.
The supply of food remains sufficient in the province but may fall short in case bad weather continues to prevail for days. – Report from Oliver Baccay/PIA Region 2
