Rainy days ahead in central, northern Luzon from Typhoon Lando

The rains are far from over for central and northern Luzon, which will continue to experience up to heavy rains over the next few days—particularly in the western side of the country. 

Forecast rains in northern and central Luzon are moderate to heavy today, especially in the western sections. From 8:00 p.m., October 19 to 8:00 p.m., October 20, moderate to heavy rains are also expected in the same areas. From the same period from October 20-21, rains are still expected over the same areas.

 

Typhoon Lando (international name Koppu) is currently moving northward, towards Japan, and might exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Sunday, said PAGASA forecaster Aldczar Aurelio during a press briefing on Typhoon Lando, October 19. Typhoon Lando is expected to exit the Philippine landmass by Tuesday.

 

As of 10:00 a.m., Lando is currently 20 km west of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It has a wind speed of 120 kph and gustiness of 150 kph. It’s expected to move north-northeast at a speed of 5 kph.

 

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Lando is forecast to have crossed Ilocos Norte shoreline. By Wednesday, it is expected to pass through Batanes. And by Thursday, Typhoon Lando will be approaching Taiwan. The typhoon is expected to weaken on its way, and might be downgraded to tropical storm status as early as Tuesday.

 

Public Storm Warning Signal #2 is up over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Benguet and Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan group of islands. PSWS #1 is up over Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Isabela, and Batanes. Coastal areas are warned against storm surges and waves may reach up to 2 m high.

 

 

 

Heavy to intense rainfall is expected within the diameter of the typhoon. Residents in coastal areas, low-lying areas, and areas near mountains with PSWS are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides. Sea travel over Luzon and Visayas seaboards is risky because of Typhoon Lando and the current Amihan.

 

Forecasters assured that there is no threat to the country from Typhoon Champi, a powerful Category 5 typhoon far out in the Pacific Ocean. The cyclone will not enter the PAR and is too far away to affect the country.

More than 20,000 people have been affected by Typhoon Lando’s rains and winds, and two people have been confirmed dead. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) 4,892 families from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have been affected by the typhoon. Nueva Ecija has also been hit by massive floods and at least 24 provinces in Luzon have suspended classes. — Bea Montenegro/TJD, GMA News