Julian leaves P600 million worth of damage in Batanes

Tropical Cyclone Julian left more than P600 million worth of damage in Batanes even as it moved away from the Philippines.

According to a 24 Oras report by Joseph Morong on Wednesday, the typhoon felled trees, flooded homes, and even damaged boats in Barangay Sinakan in Sabtang, Batanes.

PAGASA reports said that Julian’s eyewall, or the side of the center of the storm where thunderstorms with high winds and heavy rains were, passed over Sabtang on Monday.

Several places in Batanes continue to experience mudslides and rockslides.

Despite this, clearing operations have begun for some areas.

Residents in Ivana, Batanes have already started to clear roads blocked by mud, while Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco conducts inspections in some national highways.

While Julian did not return to the country as previously anticipated, PAGASA still warned residents in Batanes and Babuyan Islands to remain prepared for possible rains caused by its rainband.

PAGASA predicts that Julian may return to the Philippine Area of Responsibility before it officially exits the country and moves towards Taiwan on Friday night or Saturday morning.

“Nagre-curve na po [ang bagyo] papuntang Taiwan… Possible makakaapekto pa rin dito sa may Batanes kaya asahan parin po natin yung malalakas na hangin at pag-ulan,” said PAGASA Weather Specialist I Chenel Dominguez.

([The typhoon] has recurved towards Taiwan… It is possible that it can still affect Batanes, so we can still expect strong winds and heavy rains.)

While Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains up in some areas of Northern Luzon, PAGASA said that the weather conditions might improve over the weekend. —NB, GMA Integrated News