Sorsogon: Two individuals were reportedly killed after Tropical Storm Ada, internationally known as Nokaen, impacted parts of the Bicol Region, as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday. The fatalities, still under validation, were confirmed victims of a landslide in Matnog, Sorsogon.
According to Philippines News Agency, the storm has affected 7,170 families or 10,249 individuals in both Bicol and Caraga regions. Precautionary measures led to the pre-emptive evacuation of 82 individuals, while 71 areas experienced flooding due to continuous rainfall. The NDRRMC disclosed that a total of PHP 547,765 worth of government assistance, including food and non-food relief items, was distributed to communities impacted by the storm.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Ada has maintained its strength while gradually moving away from Catanduanes. Weather authorities have kept tropical cyclone wind signals active in parts of Luzon and the Visayas. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that as of 10 a.m., the center of Ada was positioned approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour, gusts reaching up to 90 kph, and a central pressure of 996 hectopascals.
The storm is progressing east-northeastward at a slow speed, with strong to gale-force winds extending as far as 380 kilometers from its center. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 remains in place over Catanduanes and the eastern portion of Camarines Sur, including Caramoan, where gale-force winds may pose minor to moderate risks to life and property. TCWS No. 1 continues to be active over southern Quezon, the Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, the remainder of Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Ticao and Burias Islands, and Northern Samar, where strong winds are anticipated.
In addition to damaging winds, Ada is bringing heavy rains and a risk of coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon, with potential storm surge heights of up to two meters expected within the next 24 hours. Authorities have urged residents in affected regions to remain vigilant and adhere to advisories from local disaster risk reduction offices.
