President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reminded the public to heed advisories of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on the potential impact of Tropical Storm Ofel.

In a press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Cris Perez of PAGASA’s Weather Division said residents in areas already impacted by Nika should remain vigilant against the typhoon’s effects.

The soil in the mentioned areas have become saturated with rainwater, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides, the official said.

Perez explained Nika has brought a significant amount of rainfall in the Northern Luzon area.

“Sa mga kababayan natin sa Northern Luzon, kung nag-uulan na during the last few days, medyo saturated na mga kalupaan. Mas malaki ang tsansa na magkaroon ng flashfloods and landslides sa mga darating na araw dahil andito pa ‘yung epekto ng bagyong si Nika and then paparating na bagyong Ofel,” Perez said.

“Dapat paghandaan ng mga kababayan natin partikular na sa Northern, Central Luzon area sa posibleng epekto ni Ofel sa kanilang lugar,” he added.

In its latest advisory, PAGASA reported Nika has weakened, moving northwestward over the West Philippine Sea. Signal Number 1 was raised in several areas, including Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, and the northern portion of Apayao.

The northern and western portions of Abra, the western portion of Babuyan Islands, and the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan are also under Signal Number 1.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Tropical Storm Ofel entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, moving west north-westward at 25 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 90 km/h.

No tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised so far. | PND