The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of a “high-risk” storm surge that may occur within the next 48 hours due to Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi).
“There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising sea water, along with high waves in low-lying coastal communities in some municipalities,” PAGASA said in an advisory issued at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16.
PAGASA added that estimated storm surge heights of more than three meters may occur in La Union, Pangasinan, Quezon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, and Eastern Samar.
Meanwhile, PAGASA estimated storm surge heights of 2.1 to three meters may also occur in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, Aurora, Bataan, Quezon, Batangas, Cavite, Marinduque, Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Sorsogon, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Samar (Western Samar).
Estimated storm surge heights of one to two meters are also expected in Ilocos Norte, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Sorsogon.
PAGASA advised residents living in low-lying coastal communities to stay away from the coast or beach, cancel all marine activities, and monitor regular updates from the concerned authorities.
Additionally, PAGASA urged the public and the concerned disaster risk reduction and management offices to “take appropriate actions and precautionary measures” and to watch for the next storm surge information to be issued.
As of 1 p.m., the center of Super Typhoon Pepito was estimated to be 200 km east of Juban, Sorsogon, or 180 km east-southeast of Virac, Catanduanes.
It has maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 240 km/h, and a central pressure of 920 hPa.
PAGASA said “Pepito” is moving west-northwestward at 20 km/h.
Strong typhoon-force winds extending outward up to 300 km from the center may be expected, according to PAGASA.