By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Government agencies and local governments across Luzon have intensified disaster preparedness measures as Super Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi) threatens Northern Luzon with destructive winds, torrential rains, rough seas, and possible flooding, even as forecasters say the cyclone may stay offshore.
In the northernmost province of Batanes, residents scrambled to secure their homes by reinforcing roofs, boarding up windows, and moving fishing boats to safer areas ahead of the typhoon’s expected closest approach.
Disaster response teams, police officers, military reservists, and community volunteers joined residents in coastal villages to help haul fishing boats inland and strengthen vulnerable structures against the powerful storm.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended all small vessel operations in Batanes, while flights to and from the island province were also canceled due to worsening weather conditions.
In Masbate, Governor Ricardo Kho ordered the preemptive and, when necessary, forced evacuation of residents living in coastal and low-lying communities as authorities warned of the combined effects of Super Typhoon Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Wednesday that Inday remained a super typhoon while moving westward over the Philippine Sea at 20 kilometers per hour.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the weather disturbance was located about 1,170 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, carrying maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 240 kilometers per hour.
PAGASA placed several provinces under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, including Batanes, Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Kalinga, portions of Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, and Catanduanes.
Weather forecasters said Inday is expected to maintain its strength through Thursday before gradually weakening into a typhoon. However, its wide circulation is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous sea conditions across large parts of Luzon.
Maritime operations were disrupted in several provinces as shipping companies canceled voyages due to rough seas.
Montenegro Shipping Lines suspended trips between Lucena City and San Agustin, Romblon, while ferry services between Calapan City and Batangas City were also temporarily halted.
In Oriental Mindoro, provincial disaster officials maintained a White Alert status despite fair weather, continuing round-the-clock monitoring of conditions. Power interruptions were reported in the municipalities of Bongabong and Bulalacao.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also warned motorists about road sections and bridges in Apayao that may become hazardous during heavy rains. Authorities, however, said all major roads leading to Baguio City, including Kennon Road, remained open as of Wednesday.
Meanwhile, La Union has prepositioned emergency supplies, rescue equipment, and response teams to ensure immediate deployment should weather conditions worsen.
Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega ordered all local government units in the province to remain on full alert and enforce disaster preparedness measures to protect lives and minimize potential damage.
Although current forecasts indicate that Inday may not make landfall in the Philippines, disaster officials stressed that its outer rainbands and the intensified southwest monsoon could still trigger flooding, landslides, storm surges, and hazardous sea conditions, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant and closely monitor official weather advisories.
ia/xf
