Manila: Typhoon Francisco has rapidly intensified, now packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 190 kph, the weather bureau said Monday. In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the typhoon was last tracked 620 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, moving west northwest at 15 kph.
According to Philippines News Agency, strong winds are expected in areas where Signal No. 1 is hoisted, including Batanes, the northeastern portion of Cagayan (Gonzaga, Santa Ana), and the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island, Didicas Island, Camiguin Island). The southwest monsoon (habagat) and the periphery of Francisco will also cause strong to gale-force gusts across La Union, Pangasinan, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, most of Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
Batanes and Cagayan are forecasted to experience heavy rains due to Francisco. Additionally, rough seas are expected over the eastern seaboards of Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, Batanes, Isabela, and northern Aurora. Mariners of small sea vessels, including all types of motor bancas, are advised against venturing out to sea.
PAGASA has projected that Francisco will intensify further, reaching its peak by Tuesday, with the possibility of becoming a super typhoon not ruled out. While Francisco is anticipated to remain far from the landmass, a slight westward shift in its track is still possible, according to PAGASA.
In response to the typhoon, the Philippine Army (PA) has stated that it has all available personnel and assets on standby for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, in anticipation of possible emergencies caused by the weather disturbance. PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, in a message to the Philippine News Agency, affirmed that the Army is closely monitoring all developments related to the typhoon. "Our HADR units and assets are on standby and ready for immediate deployment in coordination with the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) and local government units to ensure timely response and assistance to affected communities," he added. Dema-ala also assured the public of the PA's commitment to serve and respond swiftly in times of crisis.
