Super Typhoon Mawar Approaches - Philippines Gears Up for Impending Impact

Super Typhoon Mawar's effects might be felt as early as Friday as it approaches the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), according to the statement from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA reported that at roughly 2 p.m., Mawar—which will be known as Betty when it hits PAR later this week—became a super typhoon. By 3 p.m. yesterday, it had traveled 2,2805 kilometers to the east of the Visayas.

PAGASA stated that Mawar, as it moves northwestward towards the strait, could intensify the southwesterly wind flow when it hits PAR around Friday night or Saturday morning.

Although it is not anticipated to touch down, its trough is anticipated to provide rain to certain areas of Northern Luzon.

📷 DOST-PAGASA

Near its core, the super typhoon had maximum sustained winds of 185 kph and gusts as high as 230 kph. It was traveling 15 kph northward and might turn northwest over the next two days.

Currently, scattered and isolated rain showers are falling over Manila, Palawan, and the rest of the country due to the southwesterly wind flow and localized thunderstorms. Over Batanes and Babuyan Islands, the frontal system is bringing gloomy skies and showers.

In the meantime, local government units (LGUs) have been told to prepare for the arrival of super typhoon Mawar by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos.

The DILG chief advised local government units to preposition supplies and equipment, especially in areas vulnerable to landslides or floods.

With the proactive and preventive actions for Mawar, Abalos claimed that they are striving for a nationwide zero-casualty rate. "We need to brace ourselves and get ready to avoid casualties and other damages expected to be brought about by this potential weather disturbance," he continued.

Rex Gatchalian, Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), stated yesterday that enough relief supplies have already been positioned in potential Mawar-affected areas.

"Preposition items are available everywhere in the nation... The path of the typhoon, however, is said to be subject to change. So what we have done is increased the amount of food that is being stored up north, according to Gatchalian, who also said that they are closely monitoring the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon's eastern seaboard.

In anticipation of Mawar, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has prepositioned its deployable response groups and Quick Response Teams in the Ilocos and Cordillera Administrative Regions.

District commanders were told to be alert and ready by PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu.

In order to prevent marine incidents, he also gave PCG staff orders to inspect all sorts of ships leaving ports and warn fishermen to keep an eye on weather changes.

In the event of inland flooding, search, and rescue teams were put on alert so they could help the impacted citizens.

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