QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration is currently monitoring a Tropical Cyclone outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) which is expected to develop into a Super Typhoon and enter the PAR.

Typhoon ‘Mawar’ (international name) is 2,330 km East of (8.3°N, 147.5°E) as of 3:00 a.m. today. It is moving West Northwestward at 15 kph with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness up to 160 kph.

Currently, it has no direct effects yet on the country but it is expected to enter the PAR on Friday and will be given the name “Betty”.

In anticipation of the progress of this typhoon, the DOH advises the public to prepare and report any untoward incident that may later be related to this weather disturbance.

The DOH also advised the public to conduct the following safety preparations:

1.     Understand signs of an emergency. This includes monitoring weather updates and following the Early Warning Systems in the community;

2.     Prepare your home and inspect it for necessary repairs. Reinforce and tightly close the windows, and doors and secure the electrical main switch. Moreover, secure important documents and if in a flood-prone area elevate furniture and appliances;

3.     Know the emergency contact numbers and create an evacuation plan to the higher safe ground; and

4.      Prepare an emergency go bag that includes ready-to-eat food, clean drinking water, clothes, a first aid kit, sleeping bags, and a COVID-19 protection kit for the whole family that would last for at least 3 days.

Meanwhile, the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center (NROC) is currently doing pre-work activities for Family Food Packs (FFPs) in preparation for the tropical cyclone.

The DSWD-National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) is also closely coordinating with the Field Offices that may be hit by weather disturbance for the augmentation of food and non-food items.

Initial deliveries of relief supplies have been also dispatched and the provision of necessary augmentation to DSWD-Field Offices along the approaching cyclone’s patch will continue.

Everyone is advised to continue monitoring for updates and adhere to the instructions of the local disaster and emergency risk team for safety.  (KSAA – PIA CPSD)