By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Typhoon Kalmaegi maintained its strength as it moved closer to Vietnam, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) 5:00 p.m. bulletin.
Kalmaegi (formerly Tino) was last located 525 km west-northwest of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan, packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph, as it moves westward at 25 kph.
Wind signals, gale warnings, and storm surge advisories across the country were already lifted by the state weather bureau, with Kalmaegi forecast to make landfall in Vietnam on Thursday night.
PAGASA, meanwhile, continues to monitor Tropical Depression Fung-Wong, which was last spotted in the Pacific Ocean off the coastal waters of Guam.
As of 2:00 p.m., the weather system was located 1,660 km east of northeastern Mindanao, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph, as it remained in an almost stationary position.
Fung-Wong is expected to further intensify prior to entering the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Friday evening (Nov. 7) or Saturday morning (Nov. 8) and will be given the local name “Uwan.” It is also forecast to move northwest towards the Northern and Central Luzon area.
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