LPA enters PAR – PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — The low-pressure area (LPA) in Mindanao has entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) and may develop into a typhoon in the next 24 hours, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The state weather bureau said as of 3 p.m. on July 17 the LPA was located 925 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao.

PAGASA weather forecaster Obet Badrina added the LPA is expected to develop into a typhoon in the next 24 hours.

He added the LPA has no direct effect in any part of the country, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Once it develops into a typhoon, it will be named Egay, the fifth typhoon to enter the country in 2023.

“Usually, the track of typhoons in July is towards Luzon or it may recurve towards Japan. We encourage the public to continue monitoring the updates from PAGASA,” Badrina said.

Badrina said that Davao and Cebu will start to experience cloudy weather because of the LPA.

PAGASA said it expects at least four typhoons this month.

According to Badrina, the southwest monsoon continued to affect many areas in the country, particularly the western part of Luzon, Bataan, Zambales and other parts of Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Calabarzon and Metro Manila.

“There was a significant decline in the rains,” he added.

Badrina said that today, an improvement in the weather condition is expected in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

“By Wednesday and Thursday, we expect improved weather in most areas in Luzon,” he said.

On the other hand, Badrina said that Davao and Cebu will start to experience cloudy weather because of the LPA.

Tropical Storm Dodong continues to move away from the country as it was located 825 kms west of extreme Northern Luzon.

“It is heading towards the southern part of China,” Badrina added.?

The state bureau said among those affected by the southwest monsoon yesterday were Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, the Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, the rest of Mimaropa, the rest of Central Luzon and Western Visayas.

Class suspensions

Due to the southwest monsoon, face-to-face classes in all levels for public and private schools in Iloilo City were suspended yesterday.

Mayor Jerry Treñas announced Sunday evening that he approved the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for the suspension of face-to-face classes.

But since most public schools had their graduation rites last week, only several schools were affected by the suspension.

Treñas has also cancelled the holding of the flag raising ceremony of City Hall employees, as well as the use of biometrics “in consideration of those employees affected by the flooding in different areas within the city.”

As of 6 p.m. on July 16, the Iloilo City Operations Center recorded a total of 20 flooded barangays in the metropolis. As of 10 p.m., Treñas said they have reached 374 affected families and 1,521 individuals.

“We are working tirelessly to support barangays impacted by Tropical Depression Dodong,” he said.

According to the Office of Civil Defense Region 6, a total of 135 families or 575 persons were affected by the inclement weather in the region. — Michael Punongbayan