‘Ofel’ moving away, storm signals lowered

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical storm “Ofel” accelerated as it moves towards the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) and storm signals were lowered or lifted over most areas, weather bureau PAGASA said on Thursday, October 25.

In its 5 pm tropical cyclone warning, PAGASA noted that as of 4 am Ofel was located 40 km West of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro (14.2°N, 119.1°E), with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h and gusts of up to 90 km/h.

The tropical storm is moving Northwest at 24 km/h and by Friday afternoon will be 530 km West of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Public storm signal warnings were lowered or lifted in the Visayas, MIMAROPA and CARAGA regions, although storm signal #1 (30-60 km/h winds) is still hoisted over:

• Metro Manila
• Bataan
• Zambales
• Cavite
• Batangas
• North Mindoro
• Lubang Island

Despite the tropical storm moving away from land, residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides due to Ofel.

The estimated rainfall amount within the 400 km diameter of the tropical storm is 5-20 mm/h (moderate-intense).

Fishing boats and other small vessels are advised not to venture out into the seaboards of northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of central Luzon due to the combined effect of “Ofel” and the surge of northeast monsoon or Amihan.

In its 4 pm situation update, the National Disaster Risk and Reduction Council (NDRRMC) reported 1 fisherman dead and 9 missing.

Almost 1,000 citizens have been affected, and over 16,000 are stranded in ferry terminals over the Visayas and Mindoro. – Rappler.com