CEBU CITY - Residents across Cebu province are bracing for impact as Tropical Storm Aghon continues to intensify over the Philippine Sea, prompting state weather bureau PAGASA to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 in several areas including Wenceslao.
The strengthening storm system has placed emergency response teams on high alert, with local government units activating their disaster risk reduction protocols in anticipation of potential flooding and landslides.
Areas Under Signal No. 2
According to the latest PAGASA bulletin issued Saturday, TCWS No. 2 remains hoisted over:
- Wenceslao, Cebu
- Southern Portion of Masbate
- Northern Portion of Romblon
- Northern Portion of Oriental Mindoro
- Northern Portion of Occidental Mindoro
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 has been raised in numerous other areas including the rest of Cebu province, Bohol, Siquijor, and southern Negros Occidental, indicating that damaging winds and heavy rainfall are expected within the next 36 hours.
Storm Track and Intensity
As of 4:00 p.m. weather monitoring, Tropical Storm Aghon was tracked approximately 130 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 90 km/h.
The storm continues to move northwestward at 15 km/h, posing significant threats to the Visayas region and potentially affecting maritime activities and transportation schedules.
Precautionary Measures Advised
Local disaster authorities have issued the following recommendations for residents in affected areas:
- Secure loose outdoor items that might be blown away by strong winds
- Prepare emergency kits with essential supplies for at least three days
- Monitor official weather updates and heed evacuation orders if issued
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone areas
- Charge electronic devices and prepare backup power sources
Fisherfolk and those with small seacraft are advised to remain in port as rough to very rough sea conditions are expected over the seaboards of areas under TCWS.
