CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – Eastern Visayas and surrounding areas are closely monitoring Tropical Storm “Man-yi” (set to be named “Pepito” upon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility), expected to enter Philippine waters by Thursday evening, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Currently, Pepito is positioned approximately 1,965 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas and is projected to intensify into a typhoon while moving over the Philippine Sea. Pagasa Administrator Nathaniel Servando noted that the storm could reach super typhoon strength prior to landfall, potentially making its way to the eastern coast of Luzon over the weekend.
“While specific areas cannot yet be pinpointed, much of Luzon and Eastern Visayas could see heavy rainfall, intense winds, and possible storm surges,” Servando said, advising communities in these regions to monitor updates and prepare for potential impacts.
“With the expected arrival of Super Typhoon PEPITO this coming Saturday Nov 16, 2024; classes in both public and private schools at ALL LEVELS are hereby SUSPENDED tomorrow Nov 15, 2024 Friday,” the governor said 8pm tomight in his social media account.
The governor also advised residents in low lying coastal areas of Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay and Lapinig are advised to evacuate to safer grounds by tomorrow Night, Nov 15, 2024.
With Typhoon “Ofel” already impacting Northern Luzon, Pagasa encourages residents of Eastern Visayas and nearby regions to stay alert, especially as conditions could change rapidly over the coming days. | Ricky Bautista, The Samar Chronicle
