Nando makes landfall; classes still suspended

Super Typhoon Nando (international name Ragasa) battered the Babuyan Islands yesterday before moving toward the West Philippine Sea, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) saying the powerful cyclone is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this morning.

- CHRISTINE BOTON

Local governments again suspended classes today at all levels in public and private schools in much of Metro Manila, with some shifting to alternative learning modes.

Classes were also suspended in Ilocos Sur; Abra and Tuba, Benguet; parts of Cagayan Valley as well as La Union and Pangasinan; parts of Occidental Mindoro, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 295 kph, Nando crossed Panuitan Island in Calayan, Cagayan around 3 p.m. on Sunday.

As of 4 p.m., its eye was spotted over the coastal waters of Calayan, still carrying destructive winds extending up to 650 kilometers from the center.

PAGASA raised Signal No. 5 over the Babuyan Islands, the highest alert level, warning of "extreme threats to life and property." Signal No. 4 was hoisted over southern Batanes, northern Cagayan and parts of Ilocos Norte, while Signal No. 3 was in effect over central Cagayan, Apayao and the rest of Ilocos Norte. Lower wind signals remained up in portions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and the Ilocos region.

Surge, floods feared

Authorities warned of storm surges exceeding three meters along low-lying coastal areas of Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Gale-force winds and very rough to high seas reaching up to 14 meters also made sea travel risky in Northern Luzon waters.

Even as Nando moved away, its trough and the enhanced southwest monsoon were expected to bring rains and strong winds over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, MIMAROPA, the Visayas and parts of Mindanao.

PAGASA said heavy rains may trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

The typhoon, currently at peak intensity, is projected to gradually weaken within 24 hours as it moves further into the West Philippine Sea.

Another LPA brewing