MANILA (PNA) – There were no evacuees reported in Batanes even as Severe Tropical Storm Siony brought heavy rains and strong winds over the province since Thursday night, a radio report said on Friday.
State-run DWBT Batanes reported that most of the residents were able to prepare for the possible onslaught of "Siony", and that the local government was prepared to distribute relief packs from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast Batanes to experience damaging gale to storm force winds, moderate to heavy rains, as well as rough to high seas.
Sea travel is risky for all types of seacraft.
"Siony" was last tracked 130 km. west northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. It packs maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 115 kph.
Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 2 remains hoisted over Batanes as of 2 p.m. Friday. Most of the residents remain inside their houses, according to the radio report.
Meanwhile, DWBT also reported that few trees were uprooted, while a number of tree branches can be found on the road.
Some houses have experienced power interruption. The Batanes Electric Cooperative said it will fix this once the weather condition improves.
PAGASA forecasts "Siony" to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday night.