The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) disclosed Friday that Typhoon "Rolly" will be "strong" but is not likely to develop into a "super typhoon," quelling fears among the public, especially in areas that were devastated by Typhoon "Quinta."
Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, executive director of the NDRRMC, said Typhoon Rolly is expected to pack winds of 171 to 220 km per hour when it makes landfall over Aurora or Quezon province either on Sunday or Monday next week.
He said Typhoon Rolly won't exceed these estimates, which are the characteristics of a super typhoon like Super Typhoon "Yolanda" that killed more than 6,300 people when it hit the country in November, 2013.
"May pagtaya po na magiging malakas po ang bagyo na ito at dahil dalawang araw bago siya expected na maglandfall, ito ay nasa kategorya ng typhoon na (There were estimates that this typhoon will be strong since it has already developed into a typhoon two days before its expected landfall)," Jalad said in a virtual briefing.
"Huwag natin balewalain ito. Ang typhoon level ay malakas na hangin na. Ito ay aabot sa 171 to 220 km per hour. Above that ay super typhoon na. Magkakaroon ito ng heavy damage sa high-risk structures na mahina ang pagkagawa at even sa mga bahay na medium-built ang materials, (Let us not take this for granted. A typhoon level brings strong winds. It may reach 171 to 220 km per hour. Above that it's already a super typhoon. This will bring heavy damage in high-risk structures that are poorly built, and even in houses that have medium-built materials)," he added.
Jalad said Typhoon Rolly will pound Central Luzon (Region 3) after its expected landfall over Aurora or Quezon province.
Quinta took a lower route after it made landfall in Bicol Region but it also affected parts of Central and Southern Luzon.
"Pero si Rolly ay napakalawak. Ito ay may range na 240 km per hour so posibleng 'yung mga lugar na naapektuhan ni Quinta ay maaapektuhan pa rin ni Rolly (But Rolly has a wide range. It has a range of 240 km per hour so it is possible that the areas affected by Quinta may also be affected by Rolly)," he said.
Although far from being as powerful as Super Typhoon Yolanda, Jalad said Typhoon Rolly is expected to be of equal strength as Typhoon Tisoy which hit the country last year, killed 12 people, and destroyed an estimated P6 billion in agriculture and infrastructure.
Jalad advised the public to heed typhoon warning signals and orders from local government officials to keep them safe from the effects of the typhoon.
"Kapag inabisuhan na kayo ay lumikas, huwag mag-atubili at agad na maghanda at magtungo sa evacuation center (If you are advised to evacuate, do not hesitate, prepare, and go to an evacuation center)," he said.
He also noted the importance of following safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Ang kinakaharap ay hindi lang ang bagyo kundi pati na rin ang COVID-19 kaya mahigpit na paalala namin ang pag-i-ingat laban sa sakit. Magsuot ng facemask at iba pang protective equipment, maghugas ng kamay at sumunod sa physical distancing (We are facing not only the typhoon but also COVID-19 that's why we are reminding you to take care of yourselves against this disease. Wear a facemask and other protective equipment, wash your hands, and observe physical distancing)," he said.
As of Friday noon, Typhoon Rolly was located around 1,100 km east of Central Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Weather officials have also been monitoring another tropical storm which may also enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) either on Sunday or Monday. It will be given a local name Siony once it enters PAR.