As Severe Tropical Storm Lando (international name: Koppu) slowly traversed the landmass over Central and Northern Luzon, it brought the water needed to fill our dams.
According to PAGASA Hydrologist Edgar Dela Cruz, the rains brought by Lando should also be considered a blessing. The storm’s almost stationary movement and the amount of rainfall it produced allowed our dams to recover their water supply—so much so that some areas in Luzon are expected to survive the effects of El Niño, including droughts and dry spells, which may be experienced next month.
Meanwhile, the rains have also caused flooding. Dela Cruz said that though PAGASA has yet to receive data in areas where dam gates were opened, he is confident that the residents near the dams were given sufficient warning against the floods. The good news is that there were no casualties reported in these areas.
PAGASA is still monitoring Lando’s movement, which was forecast to exit landmass tomorrow, October 20. Its speed is maintained at 5 kilometers per hour in a north- northwest direction, and has sustained maximum winds up to 105 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 135 kilometers per hour.
Lando (Koppu) remains under Typhoon category while battering Northern Luzon. After making landfall in Casiguran, Aurora last Saturday, Lando is now in the vicinity of Santiago, Ilocos Sur. Because of the mountainous terrain of Cordillera, it has slightly weakened with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph, and gustiness of 150 kph, moving north-northeast at 5 kph.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez said that the High Pressure Area extending over the West Philippine Sea and Eastern Pacific is preventing Lando from moving northward. Typhoon Champi, which is outside the Philippine boundary, has greatly affected its movement. The current forecast track shows that Lando will exit the Philippine landmass on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, due to bad weather, venturing out into the sea is not allowed under areas with Public Storm Warning Signals and gale warnings.
Today, stormy weather is expected in the Cordillera region, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Cagayan, including the Calayan and Babuyan group of islands. Meanwhile, rains and damaging winds will continue to be experienced in Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, the rest of Cagayan valley, and Metro Manila.
Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains will be experienced in Western Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the rest of Luzon.
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms will prevail in the rest of the country.
#WalangPasok
Due to bad weather brought by the typhoon, classes were suspended mostly in Luzon today.
After making landfall in Casiguran, Aurora at around 1:00 AM today, Typhoon “Lando” remains almost stationary over the said area. As of 4:00 AM, it was located in the vicinity of Casiguran. Lando has slightly weakened, now with maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 210 kilometers per hour. It slowly moves west at 3 kilometers per hour.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, Lando may linger in the landmass until it exits through Cagayan by Wednesday or Thursday. Quitlong says the presence of the High Pressure Area in the north and the Typhoon “Champi” outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) continues to influence its movement, making it move slowly.
He clarifies that Lando could no longer intensify into a Super Typhoon due to its interaction with the land, where there is an inadequate amount of water vapor or moisture. However, all are still advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau.
As Lando continues to traverse our boundary, Public Storm Warning Signals are still up over most parts of Luzon.
Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Central Luzon and the provinces of Rizal and Quezon including Polillo Island should brace against stormy weather. Rains with gusty winds will prevail in the Ilocos Region, the rest of CALABARZON and the provinces of Marinduque, Camarines Norte and the northern part of Mindoro, including Lubang islands.
Meanwhile, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains will be experienced in Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and the rest of Luzon. The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.
Winds associated with Lando will trigger rough to very rough sea conditions in the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao. With wave height reaching up to 3.4 to 4.5 meters and wind force ranging from 52 to 68 kilometers per hour, sea travel is be risky for fishing boats and other small seacraft.
On the other hand, Typhoon Champi remains outside the PAR, at approximately 2,020 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora carrying winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 185 kilometers per hour. Quitlong says it has a slim chance of entering our boundary.
Lando (international name: Koppu) has slowed down while moving towards Isabela-Aurora area. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran said that the High Pressure Area (HPA) in the West Philippine Sea is blocking Lando (Koppu). Because of this, Lando (Koppu) has no definite date of leaving Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
As of 12:00 NN, the center of typhoon Lando (Koppu) was located at 260 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora with maximum winds of 160 kph and gustiness of about 195 kph, moving west at 10 kph.
The forecast tracks of PAGASA and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) suggest that Lando (Koppu) is expected to make landfall over the Isabela-Aurora area tomorrow morning, and will move northward after its landfall activity.
Duran said that the landfall activity could weaken Lando (Koppu), but it will still remain under typhoon category. The weather disturbance is expected to exit landmass through Ilocos Norte on Wednesday.
Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS)
Areas under PSWS #2 and #3 are prone to storm surges. Storm surge is the abnormal rise of sea level along the coast caused by the onshore winds of a storm.
Luzon Flood Prone Areas
Apart from areas under PSWS, the outer cloud band of LandO (Koppu) will bring moderate to heavy rain showers. Floods threaten Luzon especially those in low-lying areas.
Weather Today
The Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and the provinces of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, and Polillo Islands will experience stormy weather brought by Lando (Koppu).
Rains and gusty winds will be experienced in Metro Manila, the Bicol Region, the rest of Central Luzon and CALABARZON, while Visayas and the rest of Luzon will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers. Generally good weather will prevail in Mindanao.
Typhoon Lando continuously gains strength in the East Philippine Sea with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 160 kilometers per hour. With its westward movement at 15 kilometers per hour, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio says it may hit Isabela tomorrow evening or Sunday morning. Lando is expected to bring heavy to intense rainfall within the 550-kilometer diameter of the typhoon, which includes Northern and Central Luzon.
PAGASA raised Public Storm Warning Signal Numbers 1 and 2 over several areas in Luzon. The weather bureau monitors the movement of Lando towards the landmass of the Isabela-Aurora areas, which was alerted against rains with gusty winds in the next few hours.
Aurelio added that the slow movement of Lando is caused by the Fujiwhara effect of Tropical Storm Champi, which was last located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Though Champi will not enter our boundary, as it moves northwards, it pulls Lando southwards. This causes Lando to stay longer in our boundary, possibly until Thursday.
Aurelio also said that this Sunday or Monday, a Ridge of High Pressure Area may block Lando from the West Philippine Sea, and may cause it to recurve northward.
Gale warning is still raised over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon, and the eastern seaboards of Visayas. Venturing into these rough to very rough sea conditions might be dangerous for fishing boats and other small seacraft.
From a severe Tropical Storm, “Lando” has intensified into a Typhoon, now with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 150 kilometers per hour. Moving west at 15 kilometers per hour, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar says it may hit Isabela tomorrow evening or Sunday morning. Heavy to intense rainfall associated with Lando is expected within the 550 kilometer-diameter of the typhoon.
As Lando nears the landmass, Public Storm Warning Signal number 1 was hoisted in several areas in Luzon. These areas are alerted against rains with gusty winds in the next few hours.
Meanwhile, the Northeast Monsoon still prevails, affecting Northern and Central Luzon. Locally known as “amihan”, this will possibly bring cloudy skies with light rains in Metro Manila, and the regions of Cordillera, Ilocos and Central Luzon. Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and the provinces of Aurora, Rizal and Quezon are advised to monitor updates as light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms may occur. The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.
Due to the combined effect of the amihan and Lando, rough to very rough sea conditions are expected in the northern and western seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon, and the eastern seaboard of Visayas. With wind force ranging from 52 to 63 kilometers per hour and wave height reaching 3.4 to 4.5 meters, sea travel is risky for small seacraft.
On the other hand, severe tropical storm “Champi” remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is now estimated at more than 2,000 kilometers east of Luzon. According to Escullar, as of now, it has a slim chance of entering our boundary but may come closer to the corner of the PAR before re-curving towards the southern part of Japan. Escullar added that PAGASA considers Champi as one of the factors affecting the movement of Lando.
Did you know?
Despite the fact that a Tropical Cyclone may bring hazards, it also has its benefits. About 50% of water in our dams and reservoirs comes from the cyclones that enter the PAR. These dams supply water to our households.
Angat Dam, which is reported to have below-normal water level during this season,badly needs to be replenished with rainfall. Escullar says two consecutive days of moderate to heavy rains are needed to manage the dam’s water level.
Rains to be dumped by Lando could increase its water level, helping the residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces to cope with the impending effects of the strong El Niño.
Rains brought by cyclones can also help farmers with their irrigation, especially those who are affected by dry conditions, dry spells and droughst. Aside from these, cyclones also clean the air and lessen the pollution.
At around 2 PM yesterday, the Tropical Storm with international name “Koppu” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was given a local name “Lando. At 10 AM today, it was estimated at 1,055 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 90 kilometers per hour.
Lando continues to move westward at 17 kilometers per hour. According to PAGASA, if it maintains speed and direction, it may make landfall over the Cagayan-Isabela area this Sunday.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jun Galang clarifiesthat Lando has no direct effect yet on any part of the country. However, public storm warning signals could be hoisted in the next few days as the tropical storm nears the landmass.
Meanwhile, the Northeast Monsoon or Hanging Amihan prevails and affects Northern and Central Luzon. Cloudy skies with light rains will be experienced in Cordillera, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon. Meanwhile, light to moderate rains are forecast in Metro Manila, Bicol Region and the provinces of Rizal, Quezon and Samar. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.
Aside from the light rains, gale warning is up in the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon. Rough to very rough sea conditions are expected in the mentioned areas.
Another tropical storm was spotted outside the PAR, with the international name “Champi”. As of now, it is still too far, estimated at more than 3,000 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. Galang says it is moving westward but may also re-curve northward or move closer to the corner of PAR in the coming days. All are still advised to monitor updates and further development.
The Philippines, though blessed with scenic spots and abundant natural resources, is also a country prone to natural disasters. Aside from an average number of 19 to 20 tropical cyclones every year, it also falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Stretching around 25,000 miles, the Pacific Ring of Fire is an area where most volcanic and seismic activities occur. In fact, it includes more than 450 of the most active volcanoes located underwater. The province of Bohol, struck by the most recent strong quake two years ago, is one of the most seismically active areas in the country.
The Bohol Quake in Retrospect
At 8:12 A.M. on October 15, 2013, a powerful earthquake shook Central Visayas, particularly Bohol. At magnitude 7.2, the quake had a focal depth of 12 kilometers, its epicenter plotted near the boundary of the municipalities of Sagbayan and Catigbian in Bohol. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake produced strong ground shaking, liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides.
Landslides were reported in the municipalities of Boljoon, Aloguinsa, Argao, Cebu and also in the municipalities of Clarin, Lila, Corella, Balilihan, Alicia, Loboc, Bilar, Cortes, Dimiao, Antequera, Loon and Danao. Meanwhile, based on the reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), hundreds died and were injured.
More than 600 thousand families or about 3 million persons were affected in the 6 provinces of Region VI and VII. Thousands of houses were damaged in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, IloIlo, Siquijor and Guimaras. Aside from the houses, other infrastructure like churches, government and public buildings, schools, hospitals— along with seaports, airports, bridges and roads, were also impaired.
Despite the disaster, the people’s faith remained unshaken as masses were held in temporary chapels. In 2014, Panahon TV team had the chance to visit the survivors. We had the opportunity to listen to stories brimming of hope and the “bayanihan” spirit. Survivors were able to receive support from all directions– from the church, both local and international government and non-government organizations,which helped them rise from the catastrophe.
Is Manila next?
Two years have passed and the memory of the earthquake stays especially for those who experienced it. But as we continue to move forward, efforts for disaster preparedness in the Philippines continue to strengthen.
PHIVOLCS has warned that the Magniture 7.2 quake that jolted Visayas in 2013 may also happen in Metro Manila, due to the possible movement of the West Valley Fault.
As part of the advocacy of making every Filipino disaster-ready, earthquake drills are being done, where the basic method “Duck, Cover and Hold” is practiced and preached. People are also being taught how to prepare go bags, and how to assess their homes to determine and prevent possible hazards.
Today, as we remember the powerful Bohol earthquake, let us not forget the lessons this catastrophe offered, especially on disaster preparedness. Unlike tropical cyclones, earthquakes are not forecasted. They come like thieves in the night, so it’s best to make sure they don’t rob us our lives.
Sources:
PHIVOLCS-DOST
NOAA
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Ensuring an Earthquake-Resilient Home
As it traverses the ocean, the Tropical Depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has gained strength and intensified into a Tropical Storm. Now called by its international name “Koppu”, it was last located at approximately 1,515 kilometers east of Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Koppu is expected to move west at 22 kilometers per hour. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran says that if it maintains current velocity, it could enter the PAR this afternoon and will be given the local name “Lando”.
Meanwhile, the Northeast Monsoon prevails over the PAR, particularly affecting Northern Luzon. Locally known as “amihan”, it is composed of northeasterly winds that are cold and dry in nature. These winds reach the PAR as the high pressure systems over the mainland China or Siberia intensify. The Northeast Monsoon usually begins during the 1st or 2nd week of October, while it peaks by January or February.
Due to its present direction, Duran says the possibility of the Tropical Storm making landfall over the northern part of Luzon remains high. The surge of the Northeast Monsoon or amihan also affects the movement and intensity of the storm. The cold and dry characteristics of amihan are not favorable to the intensification of a Tropical Cyclone. Meanwhile, it could also affect its path–instead of moving northward, it may move west because of the amihan’s presence.
Today, the Tropical Storm has no direct effect yet to any part of the country. However, amihan will bring cloudy skies with light rains over Cordillera and Ilocos Region, while Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon and Samar will have light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms. The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, still with chances of isolated thunderstorms.
Due to the winds associated with the Northeast Monsoon, gale warning is up over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon. These include Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Northern coast of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, east of Cagayan and Aurora. Winds of 52 to 63 kilometers per hour may be experienced, with wave height ranging from 3.4 to 4.5 meters. Sea travel is risky for small fishing boats and other small seacraft, while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.