By: Charles Nikko Limon
Provinces in Northern Luzon are now on alert as Typhoon Paolo approaches, with landfall expected in Isabela, according to the state weather bureau.
Engr. Larry Esperanza, chief meteorological officer of PAGASA Baguio Synoptic Station, said Paolo is forecast to intensify further. “This tropical storm will strengthen into a severe tropical storm, and its peak will be by tomorrow afternoon until Saturday. We’re expecting stronger winds and heavier rains in our area,” he explained.
In Baguio City, skies remained clear on Wednesday, but local officials said preparations are underway. “We will be meeting our barangays and response clusters in the city to check readiness. Anytime you call them, once you give them information, we are ready,” said Julius Santos, operations officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) placed both the Cordillera and Cagayan Valley regions under blue alert status after conducting pre-disaster risk assessments.
Local governments in different towns have also carried out their own readiness measures.
In Dagupan City, tree branches in Barangay Bonuan Binloc were cut as part of precautionary efforts, while Mayor Belen Fernandez oversaw the distribution of relief goods to residents still recovering from Super Typhoon Nando.
Meanwhile, Magat Dam released water as part of its preparations for incoming rains. PAGASA also issued warnings of possible storm surges in parts of Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, Aurora, Quezon, and the Bicol Region.
