Typhoon “Hanna” (international name: Haikui) continues to maintain its strength as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” brings heavy rains to parts of Luzon and the western portion of Visayas, according to the state weather bureau. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Saturday, September 2, that Typhoon Hanna is located 295 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It has sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 170 kilometers per hour, while moving west northwestward at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour.
Weather specialist Daniel James Villamil explained that Typhoon Hanna and Typhoon Saola (formerly known as “Goring”) are both contributing to the strengthening of the habagat. As a result, a large portion of Luzon and the western section of Visayas will experience heavy rainfall.
PAGASA forecasts that Batanes will receive 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall on September 3. The agency warned of possible flooding and rain-induced landslides, particularly in areas highly susceptible to these hazards.
Batanes, meanwhile, remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1. PAGASA assured that this signal poses minimal threat to life and property. However, poorly constructed houses, old dilapidated structures, and buildings made of lightweight materials may experience minimal to minor damage.
The public is advised to stay updated on the weather situation and heed the warnings and advisories from PAGASA to ensure their safety and minimize the potential impact of the typhoon.
