Typhoon Juan intensifies further as it enters RP territory

Potential super-typhoon “Juan" (international codename “Megi") intensified further as it entered Philippine territory before dawn Saturday. State weather forecasters said Juan entered the Philippine area of responsibility at 1 a.m., and was moving northwest at 20 kph. “It will intensify further because it is far from land. The only time we expect it to weaken is when it makes landfall," Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Mario Palafox said in an interview on dzBB radio. In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Juan was “still far to affect any part of the country." But it said the whole country will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. Palafox said Juan was 1,120 km east of Northern Luzon as of 6 a.m., with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of 170 kph. PAGASA said Juan was forecast to be 780 km east of Aparri Sunday morning, and 310 km east of Aparri Monday morning. By Tuesday morning it is forecast to be 40 km west of Vigan City. However, no storm signals were raised as of 5 a.m. It said the storm remains on course to make landfall over the eastern coast of Cagayan Monday afternoon and exit the country through Ilocos Norte. Bracing for the storm On Friday, President Benigno Aquino III assured the public government agencies are undertaking efforts to prepare for expected landfall of Juan. “PAGASA has issued advisories for the public to expect exceptionally heavy rainfall in the eastern coast of Isabela-Cagayan area. It has been issuing alerts to the public and the media has been doing its part to inform the public," he said in a statement. He added the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said it is ready for possible preemptive evacuations in affected areas on Sunday. For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has already prepositioned relief goods. The NDRRMC has also been instructed to preposition rescue equipment, if necessary, he added. “We are confident that PAGASA and the DOST [Department of Science and Technology] will continue to provide timely and useful information to the public. In the meantime, I have instructed the MMDA [Metro Manila Development Authority] and all relevant authorities to take down billboards until the typhoon is over. Let us all work together to ensure ZERO casualties for the coming typhoon," he said. “I ask our countrymen in affected areas to cooperate with their barangay, municipal, provincial and national officials in ensuring orderly and efficient preparations are made. The private sector, too, can alert their employees, particularly those who are Red Cross volunteers, to be ready to help, when needed. We do not want to unduly alarm the public but there is nothing lost by being prepared," he added. Heightened alert The Philippine Coast Guard was placed on heightened alert while the NDRRMC is ready to go on red alert if the need arises. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said their command centers are monitoring the situation, while divers and search-and-rescue assets are on standby. In an interview on dzBB, Tamayo warned fishers not to venture out to sea especially in the eastern part of Luzon. “May patrolya para ipa-recall kung di pa nila nabalitaan (We have sent out patrols to tell the fishermen to return to their homes)," he said. He also advised shipping firms not to venture out to sea in areas expected to be affected. Tamayo urged the public to report maritime incidents to the PCG through hotlines 5278481 and 5273877, and text hotline at 0917-7243682 (0917-PCGDOTC). As early as Friday, PAGASA warned fishermen and travelers against fishing and traveling in northern and eastern Luzon this weekend due to the threat posed by Juan. “Fishermen (are) advised not to venture over the eastern and northern coasts of Luzon. Farmers (are) advised to monitor weather updates. Travelers (are) advised not to travel starting on Sunday morning, particularly in landslide-prone areas of Northern and Eastern Luzon," it said. PAGASA deputy administrator Nathaniel Servando said Megi (Juan) may make landfall between Cagayan and Isabela at 8 a.m. Monday. Servando said there is a possibility the storm will intensify further into a “strong typhoon," with winds of 150 kph and up. He also warned of heavy rainfall, at a rate of 50 mm per hour. He also cited initial calculations indicating the storm may bring as much rainfall as “Ondoy" (Ketsana) did last year. Ondoy dumped heavy rains triggering floods on Metro Manila and parts of Luzon in September 2009. “By Tuesday morning, we expect it (Juan) to be on its way out of Luzon. We expect it to leave Philippine territory by then)," he said. Disaster teams readied For his part, NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos said disaster teams are ready in all regions. Ramos said the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon command have been alerted. “I am particularly concerned about the coastal areas of Cagayan and Isabela. If possible, please alert our fishermen at the Pacific Ocean and advise them to go home," he said. But he also said his agency alerted officials in Metro Manila and Laguna, lest the storm suddenly change course and hit other areas in Luzon, including Ilocos, Palawan and Southern Luzon. He also urged farmers to harvest their crops early, 72 hours before Juan is due to hit. “We aim for zero casualties," he said, adding evacuation centers are ready. On the other hand, he asked the Department of Education to announce by Sunday whether there will be classes on Monday. — LBG, GMANews.TV