MONITORING. Jane Bornillo, Weather Observer 1 of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, checks on Metro Manila river systems at the state bureau's headquarters in Quezon City on Monday (Sept. 16, 2024). Tropical Depression Gener slightly weakened and might exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Tuesday and Wednesday (Sept. 17 and 18). (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – Concerned government agencies are bracing for the possible impact of Tropical Depression Gener and Tropical Storm Pulasan, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
In a statement, Communications Assistant Secretary and Natural Calamities and Disasters spokesperson Joey Villarama said all government resources have already been prepositioned in affected areas.
“The directive has always been to prepare. All OCD (Office of Civil Defense) regional offices and relevant national departments have been meeting as early as Sunday, in anticipation of the effects of Gener and Pulasan [which will be given the local name] Helen,” Villarama said.
“Most everything has been pre-positioned naman (anyway) so we're just waiting for what the actual effect(s) will be. I will update you for sure kung may (if there is a) new directive,” he added.
The southwest monsoon enhanced by Gener and Pulasan will bring strong to gale-force gusts in Batanes, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao, especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds on Tuesday, according to the latest weather advisory issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA said Gener slightly weakened as it interacted with the Cordilleras and might exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Gener would emerge over the coastal waters of Ilocos Sur or La Union on Tuesday and will then move generally westward over the West Philippine Sea until Thursday before turning west northwestward as it heads toward southern China.
“However, as it emerges over the coastal waters of Ilocos Sur or La Union, it may reach tropical storm category tomorrow early morning, and further intensification over the West Philippine Sea is not ruled out,” PAGASA said.
Moving southwestward at 15 kph, Gener is located in the vicinity of Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya, with maximum sustained winds of 45 km. per hour near the center and wind gusts of up to 55 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is hoisted over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, the northern and central portions of Bataan (Dinalupihan, Orani, Hermosa), and Aurora.
The northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Polillo Islands, the northern portions of Rizal (Rodriguez, San Mateo), and the northern portion of Metro Manila (Quezon City, Caloocan City, City of Valenzuela, City of Malabon, City of Navotas, City of Marikina, City of Manila, City of San Juan, City of Mandaluyong) are also placed under TCWS No. 1.
10 dead, 11 injured
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the number of reported deaths due to the combined effects Ferdie and Gener and the enhanced southwest monsoon has climbed to 10.
The situation update on Tuesday listed four deaths in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), four in Western Visayas and two in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Meanwhile, 11 persons were reported injured -- nine in the BARMM and two in Soccsksargen.
The NDRRMC said the casualty reports were undergoing validation.
Two were also reported missing -- one each in Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
