Goring exits; Hanna enters Philippines today

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Goring is on its way out, but strong winds and heavy rains continue in some parts of Luzon as Tropical Storm Hanna is forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Goring may exit the PAR on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Goring may make landfall in the vicinity of southeastern China on Sunday.

As for Hanna (international name Haikui), it is scheduled to enter the PAR on Wednesday morning and could intensify into a typhoon in the next few days.

Hanna was monitored 1,669 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, moving northwestward, and will remain far from the Philippine landmass.

Still, it may intensify into typhoon category within the PAR and may enhance the southwest monsoon starting today or tomorrow. The southwest monsoon will bring occasional rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon and the Visayas in the next few days.

Evacuations

A total of 19,370 families or 63,565 individuals in seven regions across the country have been affected by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Goring.

Temporarily seeking shelter are 4,049 families or 14,856 individuals in around 154 evacuation centers.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said affected areas include the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region

No deaths or injuries have been reported.

Estimated infrastructure damage stands at P41.175 million, mostly in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and the Cordillera.

The government has provided close to P1 million worth of assistance to affected families, including food packs, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals, financial assistance and other necessities.

As of noon yesterday, nine national road sections are impassable in Regions 1, 2 and 6, as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region due to Goring, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways. — Evelyn Macairan, Ed Amoroso, Michael Punongbayan, Jose Rodel Clapano