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| Super Typhoon Betty, enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), prompting local authorities to call for preparations and precautionary measures. Photo: Himawari-8 |
TACLOBAN CITY – The looming threat of Super Typhoon Betty, international name: Mawar, looms large over the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), positioned 1,320 kilometers east of Central Luzon as of early morning today.
Typhoon Betty, currently moving west-northwest at 25 kilometers per hour, boasts impressive peak winds of 195 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts that may reach up to 240 kilometers per hour. The potent cyclone-force winds extend 570 kilometers from the storm's heart.
While no official wind signals have been raised, local authorities have issued multiple advisories concerning the potential risks associated with the super typhoon. Weather forecasts from Monday to Wednesday anticipate significant rainfall across different regions, particularly in the country's northern parts, such as Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and parts of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao. These regions could experience rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters.
Regions not directly in the typhoon's path are also expected to endure monsoon rains, potentially resulting in flooding and rain-induced landslides, especially in areas prone to these hazards or that have recently experienced heavy rainfall.
Given the anticipation of severe winds, the local authorities are preparing to raise wind signals in parts of Northern Luzon by tonight or early tomorrow. An enhanced Southwest Monsoon may also generate strong breezes to near gale conditions over Visayas, Central, and Southern Luzon's eastern parts, and Mindanao's northern and eastern regions beginning late Sunday or early Monday.
Mariners navigating small seacrafts are advised to stay alert as rough seas are anticipated along the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, with conditions possibly deteriorating by tonight. A marine gale warning may follow later today.
Super Typhoon Betty is projected to continue its west-northwest course over the weekend with a chance of brief intensification. However, it is forecasted to slow down by Monday and start losing strength due to potential adverse conditions such as cooler ocean water upwelling and dry air intrusion.
Local disaster risk reduction and management offices are on high alert, encouraging the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard life and property. Residents in high-risk areas are strongly advised to comply with local officials' evacuation orders and instructions. For the latest weather updates, the public is urged to keep tabs on local PAGASA Regional Services Division reports. —iTacloban