Manila: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued a call for vigilance and precautionary measures as Severe Tropical Storm Opong, known internationally as Bualoi, approaches the region. The storm is anticipated to bring significant rainfall and amplify the southwest monsoon, potentially leading to flooding and landslides in already saturated areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, OCD administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros emphasized the importance of heeding warnings and advisories from authorities. "Severe Tropical Storm Opong is bringing heavy rainfall and enhancing the southwest monsoon. These rains are continuous and may cause renewed flooding and landslides, especially in areas that are already saturated," Cabreros stated. He urged the public to remain alert and ensure household safety measures are in place.
The government, Cabreros noted, is maintaining full alert status and has implemented emergency measures to coordinate response operations. "The NDRRM Operations Center remains on red alert, and the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) is activated. Response clusters are actively working to ensure immediate deployment of resources, logistics, and personnel," he added.
As of Thursday morning, Opong was located 365 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour. Various areas have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 and No. 1, indicating the potential impact of the storm.
TCWS No. 2 covers parts of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and the eastern portion of Masbate, among others. Additionally, areas in the Visayas, including Northern Samar and portions of Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran, are also under the same warning signal.
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is in effect for the rest of Masbate, Camarines Sur, and other regions, including Metro Manila, Quezon, and portions of Isabela, among others. The storm is expected to strengthen into a typhoon before making landfall over the Bicol Region on Friday.
