Typhoon Ineng enters PH area

MANILA, Philippines – (2nd UPDATE) Typhoon Goni has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Tuesday noon, August 18, and has been given the local codename Ineng.

The typhoon entered the PAR around 12 noon Philippine time, forecaster Robert Badrina of the state weather bureau PAGASA told Rappler.

Later that day, at 4 pm, it was spotted 1,305 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.

The typhoon is carrying maximum sustained winds of 170 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 205 km/h.

Ineng has been forecast to move west northwest at a speed of 25 km/h. It is forecast to hit the extreme northern part of Luzon by Friday, August 21.

The typhoon is also expected to enhance rains brought about by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. Thus, rains are also expected in Palawan, Visayas, and western Luzon, including Metro Manila where the monsoon is currently being felt.

Blue Alert

In response to the approaching typhoon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) declared Blue Alert at their operation center effective 6 pm on Tuesday.

This means that the operation center will be monitoring weather developments 24/7. Member agencies of the NDRRMC will also be reporting updates from their end.

NDRRMC chief Alexander Pama said the agency is monitoring 88 towns in 10 regions. Their respective local government units have been warned about the expected weather conditions.

The agency is monitoring not only areas to be affected by Ineng but also areas affected by the southwest monsoon and intertropical convergence zone. These areas include Cebu, Dipolog, and northern Mindanao.

PAGASA will release an update on Ineng at 11 pm, Tuesday. – Rappler.com