Tropical Storm Aghon, the first cyclone of the year, has intensified while hovering over Quezon province, according to the state weather bureau PAGASA. The storm, known internationally as Ewiniar, was last located in the vicinity of Sariaya town, with peak winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 125 kph. It is moving northwestward at 10 kph, passing through mainland CALABARZON and Polillo Islands.
Aghon has already made eight landfalls, with the latest in Lucena, Quezon province. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported four injuries in Bicol region and over 2,700 affected individuals due to Aghon.
PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals over several areas, including parts of Quezon, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Bicol region, and more. Residents in these areas should brace for possible impacts from strong winds.
The weather bureau warned of heavy rainfall in various regions, which could lead to flooding and landslides, especially in elevated or mountainous areas. Sea travel is also risky for small seacrafts in certain coastal areas.
Aghon is expected to remain a tropical storm as it moves northeastward, possibly becoming a typhoon by Tuesday afternoon or evening. The storm may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated on the storm’s progress and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
