THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) will set up Wednesday night the mobile Doppler radar in Leyte to come up with more accurate weather forecast for the papal visit in Tacloban City on Saturday.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla said the radar is now being transported from Manila and will arrive in the city around 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The state weather bureau will set up the mobile facility in an open space at the Tacloban City Hall grounds or at the MacArthur Park in Palo town.
A team of experts arrived in Leyte this afternoon to analyze the radar data.
“By tomorrow, we will be able to provide accurate forecast that would help authorities decide on contingency measures for different activities of Pope Francis,” Esperancilla told PNA in a mobile phone interview.
When Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) destroyed the Guiuan Meteorological Radar System in Eastern Samar, the region has to rely on radar detections in Luzon and Mindanao areas with capability to cover up to 480-kilometer radius.
The agency brought the mobile Doppler radar to the city as Tropical Depression “Amang” threatened to cross Leyte and Samar provinces during the papal visit here on Saturday.
The Archdiocese of Palo is still waiting for advisory from the state weather bureau before coming up with final contingency plan for Leyte’s papal visit that might be disrupted by the storm.
Fr. Amadeo C. Alvero, Archdiocese of Palo social communications director, said they want to hear a “near perfect forecast” from Pagasa.
“Among the options is to switch schedules with Manila, move the schedule of the open-air mass, or hold the religious gathering in a safer venue,” Alvero said.
“As long as Pope Francis is here, there would be a mass. We just need a safer venue if in case there will be heavy rains that day to ensure the safety of everyone,” he added.
Alvero is optimistic that the pontiff will not cancel his Leyte trip since comforting the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda is the reason why he’s coming to the Philippines this week. (PNA)