By Brian Campued
Super Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi) slightly intensified after it entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 11:00 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Inday was located 1,270 km east of northern Luzon. It is moving west-northwestward at 20 kph with maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near its center and gustiness of up to 240 kph.
At least 12 areas in northern Luzon have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1:
- Batanes
- Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands
- Apayao
- Kalinga
- Isabela
- Northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag and Casiguran)
- Northern and central portions of Catanduanes (Pandan, Caramoran, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto, Baras, and San Miguel)
- Northeastern portion of Quirino (Maddela)
- Eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo and Alfonso Lista)
- Ilocos Norte
- Eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin and Paracelis)
- Northern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lagayan, Danglas, San Juan, Lagangilang, Licuan-Baay, Malibcong, Lacub, Daguioman, Dolores, and La Paz)
The state weather bureau warned of strong winds brought by the super typhoon within the next 36 hours, which may cause minimal to minor impacts in areas under TCWS No. 1.
“The highest Wind Signal that may be hoisted throughout Inday’s passage is Wind Signal No. 2 or 3,” PAGASA said.
Based on PAGASA’s track forecast, Inday is expected to weaken into a typhoon by Thursday, July 9, but may be nearest to extreme northern Luzon by Friday, July 10. It is forecast to exit the PAR by Saturday, July 11.
Meanwhile, Inday will bring moderate to heavy rains over Batanes between Friday to Saturday when it is nearest to the Extreme Northern Luzon.
It will also enhance the southwest monsoon (habagat), which will drench Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani until Thursday noon, and Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur from Thursday noon to Friday noon.
Habagat will likewise bring heavy to intense rains in Occidental Mindoro and Antique; and moderate to heavy rains over Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, and Lanao del Norte between Friday and Saturday.
Floods and rain-induced landslides are likely in these areas, PAGASA said.
Gale warning has also been hoisted over the eastern seaboards of northern and Central Luzon (Isabela and Aurora) as well as on the eastern seaboards of Visayas, particularly in the northeastern coast of Northern Samar.
Strong to gale-force winds associated with Super Typhoon Inday are forecast to bring rough to very rough seas with waves reaching up to 4.5 meters.
Mariners of small seacrafts (including all motor bancas of any type or tonnage) are advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor, while those operating larger vessels must exercise caution and take appropriate measures to ensure safety of life at sea.
-jpv
