NAGA CITY, (PIA)— In its recent cyclone bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) forewarned affected provinces in the path of ‘Egay’  to take the necessary precautions as the typhoon further intensifies while moving Westward over the Philippine Sea.

In the Bicol region, the island province of Catanduanes, and the Eastern part of Albay, including the municipalities of Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, Malilipot, Malinao, Tiwi, and Tabaco City have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wins Signal (TCWS) Number 2. 

The same TWCS has been raised over the Eastern portion of Camarines Sur, including the municipalities of Caramoan, Presentacion, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, San Jose, and Sagñay.

The province of Sorsogon, the rest of Albay, the rest of Camarines Sur, and the rest of Camarines Norte, will experience winds from 39-61 km/hr under TCWS Number 1, per the agency’s bulletin.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) provincial stations have issued a NO SAILING POLICY of sea crafts and vessels in their respective areas of jurisdiction due to the imminent threat brought about by the severe weather conditions.

In Albay, Gov. Edcel Lagman reiterated the call and strictly advised the prohibition of crossing rivers. He also directed all DRRMCs to maintain continuous monitoring of their respective areas.

With the ongoing activity of Mayon Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also stated in its advisory that the “incoming tropical depression is expected to bring about prolonged and heavy rainfall which may generate syn-eruption lahars along major channels draining the Mayon Volcano edifice by incorporating loose material from thick pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits and ashfall from the ongoing 2023 eruption.”

Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte also raised a Red Alert status for all 36 municipalities and one city in the province and alerted all DRRMs to activate their Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) to immediately respond to possible emergencies.

Additionally, he reiterated PCG’s advisory for both commercial and private vessel operators for the temporary suspension of navigating all seacrafts effective Sunday, July 23.

In light of the weather disturbance, LGU Garchitorena Mayor Leda San Luis issued a suspension of classes for both primary and secondary levels to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

In Catanduanes, Governor Joseph C. Cua ordered the suspension of government work and classes due to the continuous heavy rains and flooding in most areas especially in the municipalities of Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, and Gigmoto at 5:00 AM, July 24, as ‘Egay’ rapidly intensifies over the Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced that 16 ports in Masbate suspended sea trips today, Monday, July 24 due to the bad weather. It include ports in Masbate City, Aroroy, Cataingan, Cawayan, Mandaon, Balud, San Pascual, Claveria, San Jacinto, Lagundi, Dimasalang, Milagros, Mobo, Placer, Esperanza and Mintac.

As ‘Egay’ steadily intensifies as it moves North Northwestward, PAG ASA DOST warned residents living in coastal areas to be specifically vigilant as the typhoon “may also bring moderate to rough seas (2.0 to 3.0 m) over the coastal waters outside the Gale Warning area along the western and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon, the remaining seaboards of Visayas, and the eastern seaboard of Mindanao.”

Affected areas are advised to ensure they have all emergency equipment ready, like flashlights, batteries, matches, and emergency lamps in case of power failure.  Those in coastal areas are also advised to secure their fishing boats in safe places.  (PIA 5)

Cpver Photo: DOST PAG ASA