Stay alert, public told as gov’t monitors ‘Henry’

FILE: A motorcycle rider inspects one of the raincoats being sold on a sidewalk on Scout Ybardolaza in Quezon City. (PNA photo by Rico H.Borja)

MANILA – Malacañang on Friday urged the public to remain alert even though Typhoon “Henry” (Hinnamnor) has further weakened.

In a Facebook post, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) told the public to monitor updates from the government.

“Bagama’t maliit ang banta sa buhay at ari-arian, pinapayuhan ang publiko at ang mga tumutugon sa sakuna na subaybayan pa rin ang mga anunsyo patungkol sa bagyo (While the threat to life and property is minimal, we advise the public and disaster responders to monitor the announcements related to the typhoon),” it said.

The OPS said the public may visit the social media accounts of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to get regular updates.

“Para sa bagong storm signals at iba pang impormasyon tungkol sa lagay ng panahon, magtungo sa Dost_pagasa Facebook page (For the new storm signals and other weather updates, visit Dost_pagasa Facebook page),” it said.

“Henry” weakened further, as it slowly moved northwestward over the Philippine Sea east northeast of Batanes, according to the 11 a.m. weather bulletin released by PAGASA.

The typhoon packed maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.

It is forecast to weaken in the next 12 hours, but may reintensify on Saturday morning as it begins to move northward.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was hoisted over Batanes, where winds may reach gale-force strength.

TCWS No. 1 was raised over Babuyan Islands and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana) where strong breeze to near gale strength winds will be experienced.

In the next 24 hours, the southwest monsoon will bring rains over Isabela, the western portion of Central Luzon, and the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region.