A WEATHER advisory from AccuWeather says super typhoon “Yutu” will continue to charge toward southeastern Asia this weekend. After battering the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific at midweek, for the next few days Yutu will churn in the open waters of the Philippine Sea. It is locally named “Rosita”.
Are we ready?
Meteorologists expect “Yutu” to make a close pass to the northern Philippines as a powerful typhoon, with wind speeds equivalent to those of a Category 3 or 4 hurricane. “Anyone that lives or has interests in this part of the world should keep a close eye on this storm and start preparing for potential tropical impacts.”
Take note that the storm’s influence will first be noticeable to those on land late on Sunday, when clouds, showers and gusty winds will begin streaming across the Batanes, Babuyan Islands and northern and eastern coastal portions of Luzon and perhaps southeastern Taiwan.
While the storm is expected to largely spare the capital city of Manila on the western coast of the Philippines, we’ll never really be certain. The weather is fickle. “Yutu” could enhance the southwest monsoon and batter the Visayas with torrential rains. Strong winds could damage trees and buildings, resulting in power outages and interruption of other utilities. Heavy rains could result in dangerous flooding, mudslides and washouts.
We remind citizens of measures to undertake based on the Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook, a manual produced by the Committee on Climate Change. What to do in case of typhoons?
Stay indoors and keep calm. Monitor TV and radio reports. Secure your home. Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Go to the nearest designated evacuation center if your house is in a flood-prone area. Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batteries. Stock up on food, potable water, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your home. Stack furniture above the expected flood level. Keep appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances, and garbage beyond the reach of floodwaters.
Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas, slopes, cliffs, and foothills. Rain can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides.
Avoid wading through flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood. Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.
It’s better to be prepared than sorry.
