'Helen' closes in on Cagayan, six areas under Signal No. 2

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm "Helen" (Kalmaegi) maintained its strength as it moved closer to the Cagayan area Tuesday night, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. In its 11 p.m. advisory, Pagasa said "Helen" was estimated at 140 kms east of Aparri, Cagayan as of 10 p.m., with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. Pagasa said "Helen" was moving west-northwest at 7 kph and is estimated to be 60 km north of Aparri, Cagayan by Wednesday evening. By Thursday evening it is expected to be 220 km northwest of Basco, Batanes. By Friday evening it is due 460 kms north-northwest of Basco, Batanes or 100 km west of Northern Taiwan. Under Storm Signal 2 are Isabela, Cagayan, Calayan Group of Islands, Apayao, Batanes, and Ilocos Norte. Under Storm Signal 1 are Abra, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora and Ilocos Sur. Pagasa said "Helen" will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over the rest of Luzon particularly over the western section. "Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides," it said. "Residents along the coastal areas under Public Storm Signal Number 2 are alerted against big waves generated by this tropical cyclone. The public and the disaster coordinating councils are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 a.m. tomorrow," it added. - GMANews.TV