Typhoon Bavi prompts Storm Signal No. 2 in Batanes, enhances southwest monsoon, says PAGASA

Storm Wind Signals have been raised in several areas in Luzon due to the effects of Typhoon Bavi, locally named Inday, bringing life-threatening winds over affected areas while also enhancing the southwest monsoon that will drench the western parts of the country, according to the state weather bureau on Thursday.

Storm Wind Signal No. 2 was hoisted in Batanes, where minor to moderate life-threatening winds are expected within the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11:00 a.m. storm advisory.

PAGASA also placed Storm Wind Signal No. 1 over several areas in Luzon, where minimal to minor life-threatening winds are expected within the next 36 hours.

These include areas in Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands; Isabela; the northeastern portion of Quirino; Apayao; the northern portion of Abra; Kalinga; the eastern portion of Mountain Province; and the eastern part of Ifugao. It is likewise in effect in Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Aurora, and the northern and central parts of Catanduanes.

Rosalie C. Pagulayan, assistant weather services chief of PAGASA, told BusinessWorld that Typhoon Bavi weakened from the highest super typhoon category on Thursday. However, she said this does not mean its effects should be downplayed, as it may enhance the southwest monsoon.

“Let us not downgrade our preparations just because Inday is already a typhoon,” Ms. Pagulayan said in an interview via Microsoft Teams in Filipino.

“Although it is far from the country’s landmass, it is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon,” she added.

Typhoon Bavi slightly weakened based on the 11:00 a.m. advisory, packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 205 kph. It was last located 865 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.

PAGASA has issued a heavy rainfall warning in seven areas due to the typhoon and the southwest monsoon. It is in effect in Batanes, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Negros Occidental, Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur.

PAGASA warned that these areas may experience heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters (mm) within the next 24 hours.

Ms. Pagulayan said that heavy rainfall induced by the typhoon and the enhanced southwest monsoon may cause flooding, especially in areas near narrow waterways.

“That is why we remind everyone that if your rivers are narrow and you are experiencing widespread rains, please, if you are advised to evacuate, follow your local DRRMOs (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices),” she said.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Bavi is expected to move close to Extreme Northern Luzon between Friday morning and Saturday morning. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning or afternoon, PAGASA said. — Edg Adrian A. Eva