Storm signals up in Cagayan, Isabela as Ofel intensifies

Typhoon Ofel will make landfall over Cagayan or Isabela today as it reaches peak intensity even as another typhoon is set to enter the Philippine area of responsibility, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

- By ROMINA CABRERA

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 2 has been raised over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela and the eastern portion of Apayao as Ofel (international name Usagi) edges closer to landmass.

Signal No. 1 was raised over Batanes, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, the northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte and the northern portion of Aurora.

State weather forecasters said that wind signal No. 4 could be raised during Ofel's passage.

Ofel was monitored 480 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora and will make landfall over the eastern coast of Northern Luzon this afternoon.

"Regardless of the position of the landfall point, it must be emphasized that hazards on land and coastal waters may still be experienced in areas outside the landfall point or forecast confidence cone," PAGASA warned.

Ofel will emerge over the Luzon Strait by tomorrow and might make landfall over Babuyan Islands before turning northeastward toward Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Pepito (international name Man-yi) was forecast to enter PAR as a typhoon today. It was monitored 1,965 km east of Eastern Visayas and was forecast to move westward. It may make landfall over the eastern coast of Luzon by Friday or Saturday.

There could still be shifts in the track forecast of Pepito, but PAGASA said that most areas in Luzon face considerable impacts due to heavy rainfall, severe wind and possible storm surge inundation.

Man-yi was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Evacuees