Dodong intensifies into storm upon exit

MANILA, Philippines — Dodong intensified into a tropical storm as it made its way out of the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Saturday afternoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The state weather agency said that Dodong will still continue to enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring significant amounts of rain in the next three days over parts of the country.

Around 50-100 mm of rain is forecast over Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro on July 16, PAGASA said.

Rains will continue over the provinces of Zambales and Bataan by July 17.

Dodong was monitored 305 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur which is outside of PAR as of 4 p.m. yesterday.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center, gustiness of up to 80 km/h.

Dodong was forecast to generally turn west northwestward as it exited PAR yesterday afternoon.

It was seen to further intensify and may reach typhoon category by July 17.

Monsoon rains are forecast over the Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA, Zambales and Bataan today.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga and Bulacan may see occasional rains due to the southwest monsoon.

The rest of Luzon may see scattered rainshowers while the rest of the country may see isolated rainshowers due to the monsoon.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during scattered to widespread rains.

Man drowns

At Barangay Almeida in Balaoan, La Union, rescuers found the body of Mark Anthony Areola, 26, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Bacnotan, La Union at 7 a.m. yesterday.

Areola had allegedly drowned while swimming at the beach in Barangay Darigayos, Luna, La Union, on Friday afternoon during the height of Dodong.

According to the Luna police station, Areola and his cousin Roi Oredina were drinking alcohol before going to swim.

Witnesses said Areola was allegedly swept away by big waves and went missing, causing his cousin to seek help from the neighborhood.

Heavy rains, flooding

According to a report from the Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, some parts in the towns of Masinloc, Palauig, Candelaria, Botolan, Cabagan and Castillejos were inundated in floodwaters due to Dodong, forcing some residents to evacuate to safer grounds.

In the town of Masinloc, at least 84 families or 297 residents from the villages of Baloganon, Collat, Tapuac, Sta. Rita, Sto. Rosario and San Lorenzo were brought to evacuation centers.

Disaster authorities said some residents from barangays Tampo and Binoclutan in Botolan were evacuated to safer places.

In Palauig, the provincial road along Sto. Tomas and the boundary of Macarang-Liozon are not passable to light vehicles. The Yamot National Road in Candelaria town is also impassable to light vehicles.

Meanwhile, in Macabebe, Pampanga, some six villages were flooded as of yesterday afternoon, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported.

The affected barangays include Saplad David, Tacasan, Candelaria, San Jose, Sta. Maria and San Esteban.

The floods, which reached up to 2.5 feet high, was caused by high tide and rains brought about by thunderstorms, the PDRRMO said.

The PDRRM Council has launched preparedness activities and continuous monitoring as weather conditions are expected to worsen.

The municipal DRRMOs are advised to strictly monitor and implement evacuation of residents when necessary, especially in lowland and coastal areas.