Tropical cyclone Signal No. 1 was raised over several areas in Samar provinces yesterday as tropical storm “Ambo” (international name “Vongfong”) continues to move closer to the country and maintained a possible landfall over the Bicol region by tonight or tomorrow morning.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration placed under Signal No. 1 the entire Northern Samar, northern portion of Samar, specifically Calbayog, Sta. Margarita, Gandara, Matuguinao, Pagsanghan, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Tarangnan, Catbalogan City, Jiabong, Motiong, San Sebastian, Paranas, and Hinabangan, and northern portion of Eastern Samar – Jipapad, Arteche, Maslog, Oras, San Policarpio, Dolores, Can-avid, Taft, Sulat, and San Julian.
PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said residents in these areas have a lead time of approximately 36 hours to prepare for the effects of the approaching tropical storm.
PAGASA may also raise Signal No. 1 over Sorsogon yesterday afternoon.
As of 10 a.m. yesterday, “Ambo” was estimated at 360 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. It has slowed down again while moving northwest.
It has maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.
Aurelio said Ambo will likely further intensify into a typhoon ahead of its landfall over the Bicol region. A typhoon has a maximum wind speed of 118 kph to 220 kph.
PAGASA warned that the trough or extension of Ambo may bring scattered light to moderate with at times heavy rains during thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas yesterday.
Moderate to heavy rains from the outer circulation of Ambo may already affect Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate today.
The State weather bureau advised residents in these areas to take extra precautions against possible flooding and rain-induced landslides during heavy or prolonged rainfall.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned relief goods in the Bicol region and other areas that will be affected by Ambo.
It assured the public that it has stockpiles worth about P958 million and P244.9-million standby funds.
DSWD spokesperson Director Irene Dumlao said bracing for the landfall of Ambo, the agency has readied its standby funds and relief supplies composed of food and non-food items.
“We have prepositioned goods and standby funds. Quick Response Teams have been alerted and coordination with LGUs has been established,” she said when asked about the DSWD’s preparations. (Ellalyn Ruiz and Charissa Luci-Atienza)
