‘Typhoon Julian weakens’

MANILA, Philippines — Julian has weakened into a typhoon but will have no direct effect over the country as it re-enters the Philippine area of responsibility today, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In an advisory, PAGASA said Julian will re-enter the northwestern boundary and may bring rains over parts of Batanes.

There has been a significant change in the track of Julian, but it is still expected to slowly traverse Taiwan until Friday, the state weather bureau said.

Julian is expected to weaken as it hits landmass over Taiwan.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 is still raised over Batanes, Babuyan Islands and the northern and western portions of Ilocos Norte.

1 missing, 8 injured

Rescue teams are conducting search operations after at least one person was reported missing due to Julian in San Juan, Abra.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the missing person is a 38-year-old male from Barangay Cabcaborao.

Though there have been no casualties so far, the NDRRMC said at least eight persons were reported injured in different parts of Basco, Batanes.

As of yesterday, a total of 43,093 families or 149,293 people were affected by Typhoon Julian.

So far, the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided more than P11.3 million worth of assistance to affected communities in Northern Luzon.

State of calamity in Ilocos Norte

In an emergency session on Tuesday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte passed Provincial Resolution No. 341-2024 that places the province under a state of calamity, amid the devastation brought by Julian.

The declaration of the state of calamity enables the provincial government to utilize its calamity fund.

As of Tuesday, damage to crops was estimated at more than P85 million, losses in livestock and poultry are valued at P385,000, while assessment of infrastructure damage is ongoing.

Two casualties have also been reported – one in Batac City and one in Laoag City, while one villager was reported missing in Paoay town.

Meanwhile, there will be enough rice supply in the country despite the damage brought by Super Typhoon Julian in the palay-producing regions of Cagayan Valley and Ilocos, Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said yesterday.

The country’s rice stocks can last from 60 to 90 days, he said.

Palay and corn seedlings will be provided so that the farmers can plant anew, De Mesa said, and farmers can avail themselves of a P25,000 loan with no interest.

Canceled flights

AirAsia Philippines announced the cancellation of some flights to Taipei on Oct. 2 and 3 due to Julian.

Flights Z2 128 and 124 from Manila to Taipei and on Oct. 3 flight Z2 125 from Taipei to Manila are canceled.

Affected passengers can change the travel date within 30 days from the original departure date without additional cost.

P9 million aid

Humanitarian assistance extended by the DSWD to the victims of typhoon Julian has reached P9 million.

As of last count, some 667 families or 2,230 persons are currently staying in 55 evacuation centers in Regions 1, 2 and CAR. — Michael Punongbayan, Artemio Dumlao, Bella Cariaso, Sheila Crisostomo, Rudy Santos