ILOILO City – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 advised incoming and outgoing tourists and partner tourism stakeholders to take precautions for the second typhoon to possibly enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez issued a travel advisory on Thursday, May 25.
“In view of the recent update on Super Typhoon ‘Betty’ (international name: ‘Mawar’) that is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in the next few days, all incoming and outgoing tourists and partner tourism stakeholders are advised to take precautionary measures and properly coordinate with the destination’s local government units and tourism offices,” read part of the advisory.
DOT-6 encouraged tourists to monitor the weather and coordinate with their hotels, resorts, and airline, ferry and land transport companies to avoid inconvenience during travel.
Tourists were also advised in case of emergencies to message the DOT-6 Facebook page and scan the QR code that provides emergency contact information for their respective provinces or cities.
Super Typhoon “Mawar” slightly intensified late Friday morning as it moved westward over the Philippine Sea, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
In an 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said “Mawar” has maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center, gustiness of up to 260 km/h, and central pressure of 905 hPa.
Its strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 550-km from the center.
The super typhoon is forecast to reach its peak intensity within 24 hours, according to PAGASA. It is expected to enter the PAR on Friday night or early Saturday morning.
“Mawar” is expected to bring heavy rains that may trigger flooding or rain-induced landslides over northern Luzon beginning late Sunday or on Monday next week.
PAGASA said wind signals will be raised by Saturday evening.
“Mawar” may also enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, which may bring monsoon rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas starting Sunday or Monday.
Although “Mawar” is seen to slightly weaken by Saturday evening, PAGASA said it is expected to remain as a super typhoon until Monday morning due to the highly favorable environment. (With a report from GMA Integrated News)/PN
