Tropical depression “Dodong” accelerated while moving westward toward the coastal waters of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Friday afternoon, with eight areas in Luzon placed under Signal No. 1.
“Dodong” is forecast to move westward or west northwestward before turning generally northwestward over the West Philippine Sea until it exits the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday evening or Sunday early morning.
Tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 1 was raised over Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands; Apayao; Ilocos Norte; Abra; Ilocos Sur; Mountain Province; Kalinga, and the northern portion of Isabela.
Strong breeze to near gale-strength winds are likely in these areas.
State weather bureau PAGASA said “Dodong” may reach tropical storm category today while over the West Philippine Sea.
The center of the tropical depression was estimated based over the coastal waters of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Meanwhile, The Department of Agriculture said it is ready to provide assistance to areas that may be affected by the tropical depression.
“The following assistance will be provided to the affected farmers and fishers: rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas,” the agency said in a statement.
“Based on the combined data of Regions I, II, III and CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region), the area of standing crops that may be affected by Tropical Depression “Dodong” totals 421,153 hectares (78.8 percent of the national standing crops) for rice and 302,690 hectares (71.09 percent of the national standing crops) for corn,” it added.
Power system operator and transmission service provider NGCP likewise implemented necessary preparations and precautions to minimize the impact of “Dodong” on transmission operations and facilities.
