Typhoon Hagupit maintains its strength in Philippines

Typhoon Hagupit (locally known as Ruby) made its first landfall in Dolores and Eastern Samar of Philippines and continues to remain strong. Samar, Leyte and Tacloban city reported heavy rainfall on Saturday night as the typhoon hit Philippines. Heavy winds caused roof tops of houses to blow and typhoon hit areas witnessed flood and landslides.

Masbate, Ticao Island, Burias Island, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Southern Quezon and Lubang Island in Luzon, are under Public Storm Warning Signal 3.

Calamian Grp. of Islands, Bulacan, Bataan, Rest of Quezon, Rizal, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Metro Manila in Luzon, and Semirara Island, Biliran, Aklan, Capiz , Bantayan Islan in Visayas are under Public Storm Warning Signal 2.

In its latest update, PAGASA informed that typhoon Ruby has maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 140 khp near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph, and is now traversing Sibuyan Sea.

News reports suggest that 3 people have died in the typhoon. Several were evacuated from the area and taken to safe places. Warnings and alerts against flashfloods and landslides have been issued for those living in low-lying and mountainous areas.

Likewise, those living along the coast have been warned on the occurrence of big waves associated with Storm Surge which may reach up to 3 meters.

Philippines’ The Manila Times reported that Classes in all levels in the cities of Manila, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa City, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Taguig, Quezon and Valenzuela and the municipality of Pateros were cancelled.

Also, building contractors were advised to secure their cranes and other construction equipment to prevent accidents when the typhoon’s winds sweep across Metro Manila.

Both – domestic as well as international airline services were affected as a result of typhoon Hagupit.

For those who faced the catastrophic typhoon Yolanda last year, this is another disastrous and difficult time.  The administration has put in all efforts to ensure no casualties by conducting evacuation.

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About Suyash Karangutkar

Suyash Karangutkar is a young, dedicated and an enthusiastic journalist who has a deep interest in National and International Affairs. He is an ardent political spectator who finds politics fascinating. At Spectralhues, he heads the Mumbai team and covers National Affairs & Politics. He also occasionally writes columns for Spectralhues. He can be followed on Twitter @columnistsuyash