Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed government agencies to remain vigilant as Tropical Depression Crising maintains its intensity and is expected to bring heavy rain to several areas in northern Luzon, according to Malaca±ang on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed in a press briefing that the President has issued directives to concerned agencies in preparation for Crising. Continuous monitoring and advisories are being provided to stakeholders and the public to ensure safety and readiness.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has raised a blue alert to enhance monitoring and response capabilities among relevant agencies as the nation prepares for its third tropical cyclone of the year. The Department of Science and Technology is also actively involved in weather monitoring and disseminating updates to all parties involved.
Other agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, are on standby to provide immediate assistance to areas affected by the typhoon.
Crising currently has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near its center with gusts up to 55 kph, as reported in the 11 a.m. weather bulletin by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The storm was last located 520 km east northeast of Juban, Sorsogon or 470 km east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.
Signal No. 1 is in effect over several regions, including the southern portion of Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, parts of Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and parts of Ilocos Sur and Catanduanes. These areas may experience minimal to minor impacts from strong winds, as stated by PAGASA.
Crising is projected to escalate to a tropical storm on Thursday and could further intensify over the Philippine Sea, reaching severe tropical storm status by Friday afternoon or evening. The storm is predicted to make landfall over mainland Cagayan between Friday evening and early Saturday morning, and it may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
