'Ulysses' gains strength, Signal No. 1 raised in parts of Bicol region, Samar

Tropical storm "Ulysses" (international name "Vamco") has accelerated and continued to gradually strengthen while over the Philippine Sea before Tuesday noon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of “Ulysses” at around 475 kilometers (km) east of Virac, Catanduanes.

It was slightly stronger with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and wind gusts of up to 90 kph.

It is still anticipated to reach the severe tropical storm status on Tuesday evening, and typhoon status by Wednesday morning.

"Ulysses" will likely reach its peak intensity of 130 kph to 155 kph between Wednesday afternoon or evening and make landfall at or near this peak intensity.

"Ulysses" started to move northwest at 15 kph after being almost stationary early Tuesday.

Considering the area of probability of the cyclone's center track, PAGASA is looking at two possible scenarios regarding the landfall of "Ulysses."

Based on its current track, PAGASA said "Ulysses" is more likely to make landfall over Quezon province on Thursday morning, with a close approach to Catanduanes and Camarines Norte on Wednesday afternoon and evening, respectively.

However, should there be a slight southward shift in its center track, PAGASA is not ruling out a possible landfall over the Bicol region on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Weather specialist Ariel Rojas said that after the storm's landfall, "Ulysses" will likely traverse or directly affect most parts of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, including Metro Manila by Thursday morning.

If it maintains its typhoon status during its passage, tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 3 may be hoisted over these areas, he added.

As of Tuesday noon, Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, eastern portions of Masbate (Aroroy, Pio V. Corpuz, Cataingan, Palanas, Uson, Dimasalang, Masbate City, Mobo, Baleno) including Ticao and Burias Islands, southern portions of Quezon (Atimonan, Padre Burgos, Agdangan, Unisan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Lopez, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Francisco, San Andres, San Narciso, Buenavista, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan, Calauag, Quezon, Alabat, Perez), Northern Samar, northern portions of Samar (Santo Nino, Almagro, Tagapul-An, Tarangnan, Calbayog City, Santa Margarita, Gandara, Pagsanghan, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao), and northern portions of Eastern Samar (Maslog, Dolores, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche, Jipapad).

It is expected that Signal No. 1 may be raised in more areas in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, and Signal No. 2 over some portions of Bicol region on Tuesday afternoon.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains due to the trough or extension of “Ulysses” may prevail over Aurora, Quezon, Bicol region, Eastern and Central Visayas, Caraga, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday.

Wednesday weather

By Wednesday, moderate to heavy rains associated with the rain bands of "Ulysses" may begin to affect the Bicol region and portions of Eastern Visayas.

PAGASA Administrator Vicente Malano reminded the public to take precautionary measures against possible flooding, rain-induced landslides, and sediment-laden streamflows or lahar during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly susceptible to these hazards.

Prepare Those in areas that were affected by typhoons "Quinta" and "Rolly" should prepare because they are more at risk as the ground may still be very wet or saturated from rains caused by the recent typhoons, Malano said.

If you need to evacuate, harvest crops, or secure domesticated and farm animals, you have to do so now before the arrival of tropical storm "Ulysses," PAGASA Deputy Administrator Landrico Dalida Jr. advised.

Rojas also warned of possible storm surge that could inundate coastal areas. High risk of storm surge In the next 48 hours, there will be a moderate to high risk of storm surge of 1.0 to 2.0 meters over the coastal areas of Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Romblon, and Marinduque, western coastal area of Masbate including Burias Island, and northern coastal areas of Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro including Lubang Island.

"These storm surges, which may be accompanied by swells and breaking waves reaching the coast can cause life-threatening and damaging coastal inundation," Rojas said.

Sea trips in Legazpi City suspended

All sailing trips in Legazpi City were suspended on Tuesday to avoid any maritime incident with the expected strong rains and winds to be brought by “Ulysses.”

In a travel advisory, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) announced that all sailing trips within the area of responsibility of MARINA Regional Office 5 in Legazpi City have been suspended by the Philippine Coast Guard.

Stranded

Meanwhile, a total of 746 individuals, including passengers, drivers, and helpers; six vessels, and 293 rolling cargoes were stranded in various port terminals in Bicol Region as of noon, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

Some 30 vessels were also taking shelter to avoid being affected by the weather disturbance.

The stranded individuals and vessels were monitored in Matnog Port, Pilar Port, Legazpi Port, Tabaco Port, Pioduran Port, Bacacay Port, Masbate Port, San Jacinto Port, and Cataingan Port.

According to Coast Guard, moderate to rough seas are expected to prevail in the region due to the expected onslaught of “Ulysses.”

“The PCG Command Center is on 24/7 monitoring to strictly implement the movement of vessels during heavy weather,” the Coast Guard said.

“Coast Guard deployable response groups, specifically in areas that will be directly affected by the latest tropical cyclone based on the forecast of PAGASA such as Bicol, Metro Manila, Mindoro, Quezon Province, Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales, and Cagayan Valley are preparing for possible evacuation and/or rescue operations in coordination with their respective local government units,” it added.

Closed road sections in Luzon

Meanwhile, several roads in Luzon remain impassable due to flooding, river overflow, and various damages left by typhoons that hit the country recently, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.

Two bridges in Cagayan Valley Region became impassable due to flooding caused by overflow of river during the onslaught of typhoon “Tonyo.”

The Abusag Overflow Bridge in Baybayog- Baggao-Dalin-Sta. Margarita Road in Cagayan and the CabaganIsabela Overflow Bridge in Cabagan, Sta. Maria, Isabela were flooded and impassable due to overflow of river, the department said late Monday.

“Maintenance teams were already deployed along affected sections and warning signs were installed to guide the general public,” Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said.

Several roads affected by previous typhoons in three regions in Luzon remain closed due to damages, according to the department’s Bureau of Maintenance.

In Mountain Province, Jct. TalubinBarlig-Natonin- Paracelis-Calaccad Road in Saligking Section, Talubin, Bontoc is not passable due to collapsed slope.

Four other road sections in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 2 and Region 4-A remain impassable from previous weather disturbances.

Two sections of the Tabuk-Banawe via Tanudan-Barlig Road, Dupligan, Tanudan, Kalinga remained closed due to damaged concrete pavement and gutter and sunken pavement.

The Jct. Logac Lasam Gagabutan Road (JLLGR) Rizal Section in Sitio Masi, Barnagay Talat, Rizal, Cagayan is also closed due to mudflow while STAR Tollway-Pinamucan Bypass Road and Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo Unclassified Road both in Batangas were impassable due to collapsed stone masonry, damaged pavement, and flooding.

‘Augment LGUs’ depleted calamity funds’

In a related development, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has appealed anew to the Executive Branch to augment the already depleted calamity funds of the local government units (LGUs), especially those still trying to recover from the onslaught of super typhoon ‘’Rolly’’ and typhoon “Siony”’ as new tropical storm ‘’Ulysses’’ threatens to hit the country.

“We have to be pro-active — always prepared. There’s a big possibility that the new storm will take the same path. Let’s help the affected poor LGUs to adequately respond to the crisis and to protect their communities,” he said in Pilipino.

“This is why I am renewing my appeal to the government to replenish the calamity funds of the LGUs that were affected by the disaster. They need additional funds to purchase food, medicines, and other needs,” Sen. Go said in Pilipino.

Earlier, Go urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to provide replenishment of calamity funds in typhoon-hit areas, particularly in Regions IV-A, IV-B and V, by augmenting their local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund equivalent to one percent of their respective Internal Revenue Allotments (IRAs). (With reports from Betheena Unite and Mario Casayuran)