BALER, Aurora – Typhoon “Inday” weakened further as it continued moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Batanes, according to the latest tropical cyclone bulletin issued by DOST-PAGASA at 5:00 a.m. Friday.
As of 4:00 a.m., the center of the typhoon was estimated at 620 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 185 kph while moving northwest at 20 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 remains in effect over Batanes and parts of Cagayan, while TCWS No. 1 is hoisted over several areas in Northern Luzon.
Although Aurora is no longer under any tropical cyclone wind signal, the province continues to experience rough to very rough sea conditions due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and the typhoon’s extensive circulation. PAGASA warned that waves along Aurora’s eastern seaboard could reach up to 4.5 meters, making sea travel hazardous for all types of vessels.
As a precaution, the Philippine Coast Guard continues to enforce the No Sailing Policy, while all sea-related tourism activities, including surfing and other water sports in Baler, remain suspended.
Meanwhile, the Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) remains under Blue Alert Status, with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and municipal DRRM offices maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of coastal areas, rivers, and flood- and landslide-prone communities.
The latest PDRRMO situational report showed no recorded casualties, missing persons, evacuees, or damage to houses, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism facilities, and other critical lifelines, including power, water supply, communications, and major roads.
The Provincial Health Office, hospitals, emergency response teams, and other concerned agencies remain on standby to respond to any weather-related emergencies.
While Typhoon “Inday” is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines, PAGASA said it will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing intermittent rains, strong winds, and dangerous sea conditions over several parts of the country, including Aurora.
Authorities urged fishermen, coastal residents, and the general public to continue observing official advisories, comply with safety protocols, and monitor updates from DOST-PAGASA and local disaster management offices. (Jason de Asis)