(Image courtesy of Pagasa)
MANILA – At least 16 domestic flights have been canceled so far due to bad weather, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said Friday.
These flights are:
CebGo (DG) 6177/6178 Manila-Masbate-Manila
DG 6179/6180 Manila-Masbate-Manila
DG 6111/6112 Manila-Naga-Manila
DG 6881/6882 Manila-Surigao-Manila
DG 6841/6842 Manila-Del Carmen-Manila
Cebu Pacific (5J) 703/704 Manila-Dipolog-Manila
5J 196/197 Manila-Cauayan-Manila
5J 373/374 Manila-Roxas-Manila
Tropical Storm Paeng packed maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It was last tracked 220 km. east northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, or 305 km. east of Catarman, Northern Samar.
Heavy to intense with at times torrential rains are forecast over Bicol Region, while moderate to heavy with at times torrential rains are expected over Caraga. Some areas in Luzon and the Visayas are currently Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, experiencing winds that may reach gale-force strength.
1.3K families affected
In an update Friday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Paeng has so far affected 1,322 families or 5,266 persons while it continues to move closer to the country’s landmass.
These families are residing in 33 barangays located in Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas, the NDRRMC said.
Around 20 evacuation centers are activated as of this time and these facilities are sheltering 862 families or 3,348 individuals.
Damaged houses are placed at seven -- all in Western Visayas.
Around 1,402 families or 4,975 persons were preemptively evacuated in Bicol and Western Visayas.
It also reported that 200 passengers, 192 vessels and nine rolling cargoes were stranded in various seaports in Bicol.
The NDRRMC also reported that 37 road sections and three bridges were affected in Bicol and Western Visayas.
Manila braces for Paeng
On Friday, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna ordered the preparation of evacuation sites, relief goods, and emergency equipment in anticipation of Paeng's onslaught.
The order was issued during the coordination meeting with the Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) which is composed of various departments of the city.
Lacuna also said the city government is considering the closure of public cemeteries once Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 2 is raised to ensure the safety of the people.
At the same time, the MDRRMO is on red alert for continuous monitoring and preparation.
Classes have been suspended classes from Kinder to Grade 12 in all public and private schools in the city on Friday.
Metro Manila is currently under TCWS No. 1, based on the latest weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. (with Priam Nepomuceno and Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
