Aghon intensifies, makes & landfalls

Severe Tropical Storm Aghon is expected to intensify into a typhoon before it leaves the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by midweek after having made eight landfalls since Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

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As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Aghon (international name Ewiniar) had intensified into a severe tropical storm.

Based on the latest track of PAGASA, Aghon is expected to develop into a typhoon when it reaches the coastal waters of Casiguran, Aurora and before it exits PAR on Wednesday, PAGASA senior weather specialist Benison Estareja said at a press conference.

“By Tuesday morning, it is expected to be 415 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan and then to move northeastward, and by Wednesday morning, it will already be 1,000 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon,” he said.

Estareja added that by noon of May 29, Aghon is expected to be outside PAR.

He said that Aghon slightly intensified over Sariaya, Estareja added that PAGASA does not discount the possibility that Aghon will pass Laguna, Rizal, and eastern side of Bulacan, Aurora and Polillo islands.

He said that Aghon could bring 100 to 200 millimeters of rain over Aurora, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Metro Manila, Camarines Norte until noon today.

Meanwhile, 50 to 100 millimeters of rains are expected in eastern Isabela, Nueva Ecija, rest of Bulacan, eastern Pampanga, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Burias Island, Masbate, western Camarines Sur, Cuyo island, Palawan, Aklan and Antique.

Estareja warned of possible flooding and rain-induced landslides in affected areas.

‘These include those areas in Pasig and Marikina as the Marikina River may overflow. The next 24 hours will be crucial in terms of rains brought by Aghon,” he said.