MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Authorities have implemented forced evacuations in some parts of northeast Philippines as Typhoon Noul, locally named Dodong, made landfall in the province of Cagaya, north of Manila.
“We strongly advise pre-preemptive evacuation while we still have time, and we expect there will be a confluence of events – a high tide, heavy rainfall in the mountains, the possibility of a storm surge and strong winds,” said Alexander Pama, head of the national disaster agency, during a news briefing.
Tuguegarao City was taken off the grid as the category five storm with winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) near the centre, lashed the northeastern tip of the country.
Public storm signal number 4 was hoisted over Northeastern Cagayan, Batanes, Babuyan and Calayan Group of Islands. Storm signal number means 171-220 kph winds are expected in 12 hours and wave height in open sea is more than 14.0 meters.
Storm signal number 3 was raised over Cagayan, Isabela and Apayao. These areas should expect 121-170 kph winds in 18 hours and wave height at open sea to about 14.0 meters.
Northern Aurora, Kalinga, Mt Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and Abra were placed under signal number 2.
Rest of Aurora, Ilocos Sur and Quirino were placed under storm signal number 1.
Fisherfolks are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon.
PAGASA further advised the residents to refrain from outdoor activities particularly along beaches of the eastern section of Isabela and Cagayan today (May 10). – BusinessNewsAsia.com