THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has cancelled land travels in Eastern Visayas due to the threat of “Odette” (international name Rai), which intensified into a severe tropical storm Tuesday morning, December 14.
In an advisory issued to regional directors and heads, the NDRRMC said the order is effective at 8 a.m. Tuesday except for those already in transit prior to the issuance.
“Sea travel will continue as the weather permits until concerned authorities issue a temporary suspension of port operations,” it said.
“This action is to prevent the unwanted movement, surge, and build-up of individuals and vehicles in ports and terminals due to the cancellation of sea trips due to unfavorable weather conditions,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also temporarily suspended voyages of vessels and watercrafts with 250GT and below in the route within the area of responsibility of Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte.
“Vessels allowed to sail are further reminded to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the incoming weather disturbance,” the PCG said.
On Monday, December 13, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) also suspended land travel going to Visayas and Mindanao, Catanduanes and Masbate.
The agency said this is to prevent congestion of stranded vehicles along Maharlika Highway during the expected onslaught of the weather system.
“All suspensions will be automatically lifted once Tropical Depression Wind Signals from said areas are lifted,” the LTO said.
As of 11 a.m. the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said “Rai” intensified into a severe tropical storm while moving west nothwestward toward Palau.
It was spotted at 1,165 kilometers (km) East of Mindanao with maximum sustained winds of 99 km per hour (km/h) near the center with gusts of 115 km/h and central pressure of 990 hPa.
The weather system is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday afternoon or evening and forecast to make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga or Eastern Visayas by Thursday, December 16, afternoon or evening.
“This tropical cyclone is forecast to reach typhoon category on Wednesday. A pre-landfall peak intensity of around 155 km/h may be reached by Thursday morning or afternoon,” Pagasa said.
“There is a high likelihood that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals will be hoisted for Visayas, large portions of Mindanao, and several provinces in Southern Luzon due to the threat of strong to typhoon-force winds associated with the passage of Rai. The highest possible wind signal that may be hoisted is TCWS #3. Localities situated in the eastern portions of Visayas and Mindanao may be placed under TCWS #1 as early as this afternoon or evening,” it added. (SunStar Philippines)