Heads up, metro denizens. Typhoon Glenda (international name: Rammasun) has officially entered the Philippine area of responsibility Sunday night.
Based on the storm’s possible projection, it is expected that the storm may hit Central Luzon by midweek, affecting not only that area but also nearby areas, especially Metro Manila with heavy rainfall. As of this writing, Storm Signal No. 1 has been raised over parts of the Bicol region.
This storm bears the strength of maximum sustained winds of 80 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 95 kph.
Keep in mind that the storm’s path may change. Whatever may happen, it is wise to be prepared and keep in touch with the news for the latest updates.
We can only hope the government has come out prepared for this situation. Then again, given the dismal track record in recent years, let’s not expect too much. Let’s all do our part instead and make the necessary preparations.
UPDATE: (7/14)
This does not look good.
Latest projections from the Japan Meteorological Association is showing that Typhoon Glenda may actually directly hit Metro Manila.
Also, Signal No. 1 has been raised in the metropolis and surrounding areas while Bicol is now at Signal No. 2.
We hope the storm changes course and spare the country from much damage. Until then, we can only pray and prepare for what may come.
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UPDATE: (7/15)
Glenda has become a stronger typhoon as it now packs maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
As chances of the typhoon becoming more and more a possible scenario, Metro Manila, as well as the nearby provinces in the Central Luzon and CALABARZON regions have now been placed under Signal No. 2. That being said, classes from pre-school to high school have been suspended in most of Metro Manila. Las Piñas suspended classes from pre-school to elementary while San Juan and Pateros decided suspend classes in all levels.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now under blue alert and personnel are on alert over the possible flooding that may occur. In addition, the agency has asked advertisers to take down their billboards as Glenda is said to be as strong as Typhoon Milenyo which ravaged the metropolis in 2005 which uprooted trees and took down billboards. Pasig River Ferry operations have been suspended for the meantime as well.
Local government units have also been making their own preparations as well for the typhoon as disaster management teams are on standby for what is to come.
We can only hope these preparations are ample enough for Metro Manila to be able to weather through the coming storm.
Acknowledgements to various sources for the compilation of this report
