Manila: Residents in coastal areas of Batanes, Cagayan, and Ilocos Norte are facing warnings of a storm surge, a potentially life-threatening coastal flood caused by rising sea water, as Typhoon Nando continues to advance over the Philippine Sea.
According to Philippines News Agency, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Saturday that Batanes is at a ‘high risk’ of experiencing a storm surge that could exceed three meters. The NDRRMC, drawing information from the state weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), has advised residents in low-lying coastal areas to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
Similar warnings have been issued for Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, where storm surges are expected to reach heights of one to three meters. The NDRRMC has instructed the public to stay away from coastal areas and beaches, urging the cancellation of all marine activities to ensure safety.
In a separate advisory on Saturday, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Western Visayas cautioned tourists and stakeholders to exercise extreme caution in the coming days. For emergencies, tourists can contact the DOT at 151-TOUR (151-8687) or 09958355155, or through email at [email protected].
As of 2 p.m., PAGASA reported that Typhoon Nando was located 790 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph and gustiness of up to 170 kph. The typhoon is currently moving northwestward at 10 kph.