Kiyapo Now A Tropical Storm, Signal No. 2 Up In Some Areas

Tropical depression Kiyapo developed into a tropical storm as of 2 a.m. today, July 24, and is expected to bring heavy rains and severe winds, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

In its 5 a.m. advisory today, PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was raised in Batanes, the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira, Claveria, Santa Praxedes) including Babuyan Islands, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud).

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over the rest of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan and Dipaculao).

The hoisting of Wind Signal No. 3 is not ruled out should Kiyapo intensify into a severe tropical storm while traversing the area of Batanes-Babuyan Islands, PAGASA said.

As of 4 a.m., the center of Kiyapo was estimated at 345 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan with

maximum sustained winds of 65 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

According to PAGASA, the southwest monsoon and the periphery of Kiyapo will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds):

• Today: Most of the country
• Saturday (July 25): Most of Luzon and Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte and Davao Oriental
• Sunday (July 26): Ilocos region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro and Kalayaan Islands

“Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. All mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside,” PAGASA said.

“It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone,” PAGASA warned, noting Kiyapo will continue moving west northwestward until Saturday towards the Luzon Strait before turning northwestward to northward for the remaining forecast period.

“On the forecast track, the center of Kiyapo may pass close to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan between this morning and afternoon, then pass very close or make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands between this afternoon and evening. It is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow morning,” PAGASA said.

“Kiyapo will continue to intensify while traversing extreme Northern Luzon and may be upgraded into a severe tropical storm after passing the Babuyan Islands. While moving over the West Philippine Sea, it may undergo rapid intensification and reach typhoon category before making landfall over southern mainland China. Afterwards, Kiyapo is expected to weaken as it moves inland and interacts with the surrounding terrain,” it added.

Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.

“Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” PAGASA said.