Pepito exits PAR, intensifies into typhoon threatening Vietnam

Severe Tropical Storm Pepito has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday morning as it developed into a typhoon, PAGASA said.

In an 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Pepito left PAR around 7:30 a.m. and turned into a typhoon at 8 a.m.

“It is forecast to make landfall over central portion of Vietnam by Sunday,” it added.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains are expected over Batanes, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan.

PAGASA warned of possible flooding including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.

Due to Pepito, high winds to gale-force winds with occasional gusts will continue to affect the northern and Central Luzon, especially over the western portions of these areas.

“Such conditions are more likely to be experienced in coastal and mountainous areas,” PAGASA said.

Rains caused by Pepito had left many areas in Luzon flooded, affecting 5,247 families or 24,032 individuals,  according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said there were no reported fatalities, injuries, or missing persons as of 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, in its bulletin, PAGASA said gale Warning is up over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon and the western seaboards of Central Luzon, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Island), and Palawan (including Calamian and Kalayaan Islands) due to rough to very rough seas (2.8 to 5.5 m).

“Sea travel is risky over these areas, especially for small seacrafts,” PAGASA said.

Moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 2.5 m), meanwhile, can be experienced over the eastern seaboards of Luzon.

“Those with small seacrafts are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in these conditions,” PAGASA added. —KBK, GMA News