Typhoon “Pepito” will have no direct impact on Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental, due to a change in track direction, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said on Friday, Nov. 15.
He said this was stated in a Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) report that described the risk levels in WV and Negros as low.
But the Western Visayas RDRRMC also said that uncertainty must be considered and preparations for a worst case scenario, especially in the northern part of Panay, must be undertaken.
It said there was a low chance of a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal being raised in Western Visayas and Negros.
As of now, no areas are susceptible to flooding and landslides, it added.
However, the RDRRMC 6 remains on blue alert status in preparation for the possible effects of “Pepito”.
Typhoon “Pepito” packs maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 190 km/h. The center of the eye of the typhoon was estimated at 305 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, at 11 p.m. Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
Pepito is forecast to make landfall over the vicinity of Catanduanes on Saturday night or early Sunday.
Severe Tropical Storm Ofel left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday afternoon, but could possibly reenter at night, Pagasa also said.*