‘Ofel’ sparks storm signal #1 over Metro Manila

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The entire Visayas, CARAGA and now also Metro Manila are under public storm signal warnings for tropical depression 'Ofel'

MSAT ENHANCED-IR satellite image at 10.32 pm, October 24. Image courtesy of PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines – The entire Visayas, CARAGA and now also Metro Manila are under public storm signal warnings as tropical depression “Tofel” maintained its strength as it moved towards Masbate.

Ofel is currently over the Visayan Sea and is getting closer to land, weather bureau PAGASA said on Wednesday, October 24.

In its 11 pm tropical cyclone warning, PAGASA noted that as of 10 pm the tropical storm was located 40 km Northwest of Tabango, Leyte (11.5 °N, 124.0 °E), with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h.

Storm signals over all Visayas

Ofel is moving West-Northwest at 19 km/h and by Friday evening will be 100 km Northwest of San Jose, Mindoro.

PAGASA placed the MIMAROPA and most of Visayas under public storm signal #2 (61-100 km/h winds), while storm signal #1 (30-60 km/h winds) was raised over the rest of Visayas, CARAGA, northern Mindanao and parts of Luzon, including the National Capital Region.

Tropical depression track as of 8 pm, October 24. Image courtesy of PAGASA

The weather bureau warned of possible flashfloods and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas as well as storm surges in coastal communities under storm signal warnings #1 and #2.

Fishing boats and other small vessels were advised not to venture out in the seaboards of the affected areas.

The estimated rainfall amount within the 450 km diameter of the tropical storm 5–20 mm/h (moderate-intense), PAGASA added.

Passengers stranded

In its 5 pm situation update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a fisherman has been missing for two days in Southern Leyte.

More than 6,000 passengers are stranded in ferry terminals across the Visayas and CARAGA regions and 12 domestic flights were cancelled.

The NDRRMC has been on red alert status for Ofel since October 22. – Rappler.com

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