Bising exits Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Bising (international name Surigae) exited the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday after leaving at least four persons dead and over P200 million worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Bising weakened into an extratropical cyclone or a low-pressure area after leaving the country at around 5:40 a.m.

As of 10 a.m. yesterday, the center of Bising was estimated at 1,500 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.

Bising did not make landfall, but it lingered over the Philippine Sea for days, bringing heavy rains, gusty winds and rough seas over the eastern section of the country.

Disaster officials estimated the damage to infrastructure in the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas at P10.5 million.

Bising was the second tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

PAGASA senior weather forecaster Chris Perez said hot weather with chances of thunderstorms would prevail over the country in the next few days.

No tropical cyclone or weather disturbance is expected to affect the country in the next three to five days, Perez said.