Super Typhoon “Leon” is expected to make landfall along the eastern coast of Taiwan today (Thursday) as it intensified while moving closer to Batanes, which is under Signal No. 4.
The state weather bureau said “Leon” may leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility this evening or by Friday early morning.
PAGASA the hoisting of Signal No. 5 has not been ruled out in the event that the super typhoon moves to the left of its forecast track.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, “Leon” was estimated at 215 kilometers east southeast of Basco, Batanes, moving northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed local government units along the path of “Leon” to prepare for its possible impact despite the forecast.
“Unfortunately, it looks like another one is coming our way. So let’s get ready for it,” the President said.
Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” earlier left a swathe of destruction across the country, with close to 150 dead and with damage estimated at P2.84 billion for agriculture, P3.62 billion for infrastructure, and P32.62 million reported for irrigation facilities.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the combined impact of “Kristine” and “Leon” affected 7 million people, or approximately 1.78 million families across 17 regions in the country.
Currently, 218 areas across 13 regions remain submerged in deep floods while 250 roads and 33 bridges remain impassable due to severe weather conditions.
The Department of Labor and Employment, for its part, said it was ready to provide emergency employment to workers affected by “Kristine.”
Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said about 251,000 workers were displaced in areas affected by torrential rains and massive flooding.
“The emergency employment or 10 days of work has a corresponding pay for displaced workers,” Benavidez said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Super Typhoon ‘Leon’ approaches Batanes.”
