'Chedeng' gathers speed, changes direction

MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon "Chedeng" (international name Songda) gathered speed as it changed direction Wednesday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. bulletin that the typhoon changed direction from west northwest to northwest. The typhoon gathered speed from 9 kilometers per hour to 15 kph, the weather bureau added.

The typhoon, located 310 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, remained strong with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 160 kph.

Public storm signal number 2 remains hoisted over Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and the three Samar provinces.

The weather bureau has included Quezon and Aurora provinces in the list of areas under public storm signal number 1. The other areas under signal number 1 were Marinduque, Masbate, Burias and Ticao Islands, Polilio Island, Biliran Island and northern Leyte.

Weather forecasters, meanwhile, clarified that the heavy rains felt in Metro Manila this afternoon was not directly caused by the typhoon.

Metro Manila may feel the effects of the typhoon by Saturday after it makes landfall in Aurora province, the weather bureau said.

Nearly 80 families have been evacuated from their homes in flood-hit areas in two villages in Taguig City while flooding has also been reported in areas in Pasig, Paranaque and Muntinlupa cities.

Local government units in Bicol and Eastern Visayas have been alerted earlier by the national government against the weather disturbance.

Provincial authorities in Albay have already ordered the evacuation of at least 43,000 families, who are at risk from floods and landslides.

Landslides have also been reported in parts of Mindanao, but there were no reports of casualties.

Alert up

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), meanwhile, alerted all its units against the typhoon.

It has advised local risk reduction and management councils to advise local government officials to order pre-emptive evacuations of families living in low-lying and mountainous areas due to possible occurrence of landslides and flashfloods.

In his directive, NDRRMC chief Benito Ramos reminded all units nationwide of the government’s “zero casualties” target during calamities.

The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) has also deployed quick reaction teams in provinces identified by PAGASA as critical areas including Western Visayas, Bicol, Cagayan Valley and Northern Luzon.

“PAGASA has already warned that there is a possibility that typhoon Chedeng may bring heavier rains compared to typhoon Milenyo, that’s why we must double our efforts to assure the public safety and to assure immediate rescue and relief operation during calamity” Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also ordered its units in Eastern Visayas and Bicol to prepare for the typhoon.

PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo has also ordered the activation of the regions’ Disaster Incident Management Task Groups (DIMTG) in close coordination with civil defense authorities and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC).

Bacalzo also reminded police units to help in the evacuation of affected residents as well as in the deployment of personnel in evacuation areas to assist local governments and civil defense authorities.

Local police forces were also tasked to coordinate closely with the DPWH and local government units for clearing operations and assistance in medical and relief operations.

Operations at Tabaco City RORO ferry terminals were suspended as early as Tuesday, stranding some 350 passengers and 11 vehicles.

Meantime, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Sorsogon boosted its disaster preparation especially in the ports of Pilar, Bulan and Matnog towns, while repeatedly reminding seafarers to avoid sailing in rough seas

Sorsogon PCG chief Ronnie Ong said that as early as 10 a.m. today, he already advised port officials in the three municipalities to suspend the departure of vessels.

He also stated that the in the province has maintained partnership with local shipping companies and operators to provide assistance for rescue in the event of a sea mishap.

“We usually implement preventive and precautionary measures in the conduct of our operation specially those vessels that are about to depart are strictly made to undergo mandatory pre-departure inspection to see if these vessels are sea worthy and safe for carrying or transporting passengers,” he said.