Tropical Depression Wilma maintains its strength as it made landfall yesterday evening even as it remained almost stationary, the weather bureau said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.
PAGASA said the center of TD Wilma was located over the coastal waters of Sulat, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
Wilma is forecast to move generally westward for the majority of the forecast period. Afterwards, it will continue to traverse the Visayas until Sunday.
It will then emerge over the Sulu Sea and may pass over northern Palawan by Monday morning.
Wilma will likely remain as a tropical depression throughout its passage over the Visayas and Southern Luzon. However, due to dry intrusion from the northeast monsoon, there is an increasing likelihood of weakening into a remnant low while traversing Visayas, PAGASA said.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remained hoisted over Sorsogon; Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands; Romblon; portions of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro; the northernmost portion of Palawan; Northern Samar; Eastern Samar; Samar; Biliran; the northern and central portions of Leyte; the northern and central portions of Cebu, including Bantayan and Camotes Islands; parts of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental; Guimaras; Iloilo; Capiz; Aklan; and Antique.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard rescued five people after their motor banca nearly capsized off Hilantagaan Island in Santa Fe, Cebu while delivering essential goods amid worsening sea conditions brought by “Wilma” and the northeast monsoon.
PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the boat was already close to sinking when personnel arrived. She reminded fishermen and small boat operators not to venture out even if waters appear calm along the shore, saying waves become more dangerous in open seas.
The PCG also reported 8,622 stranded passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers across 87 ports in Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Western and Central Visayas, Eastern and Southern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Northeastern Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has activated its “red alert” status as “Wilma” continues to affect parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
“Since Friday, the DSWD and our Disaster Response Command Center have been on red alert status. Our agency and field offices are focused so that we can continue to deliver the necessary assistance,” Social Welfare Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.
She assured the public that the agency has enough family food packs, ready-to-eat meals, and other needed relief items. As of press time, DSWD maintains P2.1-billion worth of stockpiles and standby funds.
Aside from relief assistance, mobile command centers and mobile kitchens are also on standby to support local government units and ensure timely delivery of aid in affected areas.
