Severe tropical storm “Paolo” has weakened and is now over the West Philippine Sea, where it is likely to pick up speed again and intensify into a typhoon within the next 12 hours, according to the state weather bureau.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the storm was moving generally west-northwestward and was poised to exit the Philippine area of responsibility this morning.
The center of the storm’s eye was estimated over the coastal waters of Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, it said.
“It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone,” the state weather bureau said.
As this developed, the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday announced that it had raised a “Code White” alert as early as October 1 due to the presence of Severe Tropical Storm “Paolo” (international name: Matmo) in the country.
The DOH Central Office issued the alert to prepare hospitals and health facilities for potential emergencies caused by the tropical cyclone.
Under Code White, the DOH Operations Center activated supplies of medicines, medical equipment, and health emergency response teams.
Authorities said the deployment covers regions expected to be directly hit by Paolo, including Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.
The Health Department confirmed that essential medicines such as antibiotics, fever reducers, and cough treatments are ready for distribution. Health officials likewise prepared oral health care packages, hygiene kits, and clean water supplies to prevent secondary health risks.
Meanwhile, the DOH regional offices in northern and Central Luzon emphasized readiness for both immediate relief and longer-term health needs. Hospitals in the region have been instructed to secure backup power sources and prepare emergency wards.
Authorities said the full impact of the storm on health and infrastructure will be assessed in the coming days.
“Paolo” was moving west-northwestward at 35 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 165 km/h, PAGASA further said.
As of late yesterday afternoon, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 was raised in Ilocos Sur, La Union, the southwestern portion of Abra (Boliney, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Tayum, Bangued, Langiden, Pidigan, San Quintin, Pilar, Luba, Manabo, Villaviciosa, San Isidro, Peñarrubia, Bucay, Tubo), the western portion of Kalinga (Tinglayan, Pasil), the western portion of Mountain Province (Besao, Tadian, Sagada, Bauko, Sadanga, Bontoc, Sabangan), the western portion of Ifugao (Hungduan, Tinoc), and Benguet.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 2 was in effect over the southern portion of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Marcos, Bacarra, Piddig, Pasuquin, Vintar, Carasi), Pangasinan, the rest of Abra, the rest of Kalinga, the rest of Mountain Province, the rest of Ifugao, the western portion of Isabela (Cordon, Ramon, San Mateo, City of Santiago, Quezon, Mallig, Roxas, Aurora, San Manuel, Cabatuan), the northwestern portion of Quirino (Cabarroguis, Saguday, Diffun), the northern and central portions of Nueva Vizcaya (Dupax del Norte, Aritao, Santa Fe, Bayombong, Bagabag, Villaverde, Kasibu, Bambang, Diadi, Quezon, Solano, Dupax del Sur, Ambaguio, Kayapa), and the northernmost portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan).
“Paolo” officially transformed into a typhoon and made landfall over Dinapigue, Isabela, at around 9:00 a.m. yesterday.
Its arrival prompted PAGASA to hoist tropical cyclone wind signal no. 4 but lifted it yesterday afternoon.
The provincial government urged residents to remain alert, avoid beaches, and suspend all marine activities until conditions improve.
“Let us remain alert and prioritize safety at all times,” Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured the public of its readiness to aid those who will be affected by the storm.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency’s quick response teams are on alert and relief stockpiles are ready for dispatch even as the agency simultaneously assists those battered by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu and the onslaught of typhoons in Masbate and Northern Mindanao.
“While assisting Masbate, Cebu, and Nando-hit areas, DSWD is also keeping an eye out for this new storm. We are ready,” Gatchalian posted on his social media account on Friday.
