Filipinos who are planning to join massive rallies scheduled this Sunday, September 21, are advised to prepare for possible heavy rains as tropical storm ‘Nando’ continues to approach the Luzon islands, affecting several provinces in its path.
Forecasters from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that the gloomy weather might affect the planned protest actions, which are being organized to denounce allegations of corruption in multibillion-peso flood control projects.
“On Sunday, when we have a huge rally over Metro Manila, we are expecting mostly cloudy skies. There will be light to moderate rains in the morning,” said PAGASA weather forecaster Benison Estareja.
By the afternoon, he said several areas will experience moderate to at times heavy rains attributed to the effects of the southwest monsoon or ‘habagat.’ This includes the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas and the Mimaropa region aside from Metro Manila.
PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando warned of possible floods and storm surge over the coastal waters of some Luzon provinces due to ‘Nando.’
“‘Nando’ is expected to trigger strong gusty wind and intense rain that could cause flooding, landslides and storm surge,” he said.
As of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, ‘Nando’ was tracked at 905 kilometers east of Central Luzon. It was moving west northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour (kph) packing 85 kph winds near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.
This particular storm enhances the ‘habagat’ rains as it approaches the landmass. It is forecast to make a landfall over Babuyan Islands by either Monday afternoon or early Tuesday morning, before leaving the Philippine area of responsibility.
Many groups particularly the organizers of the ‘Trillion Peso March’ at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City and Luneta Park in Manila said the planned protests will push through come rain or shine this Sunday.
