Typhoon Obet Exits PAR

Typhoon Obet exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) as of 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in an advisory.

Obet, with international name Saudel, was expected to be a super typhoon but would not directly affect Philippine weather or sea conditions.

Three weather systems were being monitored in and around the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), including Obet, which entered the country’s monitoring zone at 1:20 p.m. on Monday.

PAGASA said Obet would remain far from the Philippine landmass and was expected to exit PAR within 12 hours.

No wind signal was raised over any part of the country but heavy rainfall would be still be experienced in parts of Luzon due to the southwest monsoon.

Tropical depression Atsani developed into a tropical storm but weakened and was also outside PAR now along with tropical depression Neneng (Gaenari), which became a low pressure area.

Despite the absence of wind signals, government agencies started preparing for possible heavy rains and flooding as Obet could enhance the southwest monsoon.

The Philippine National Police placed its units on heightened readiness, with PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordering police commanders to take proactive measures in coordination with local government units to ensure public safety.

“Our chiefs of police and other unit commanders in the affected areas were tasked to monitor the situation in their areas,” Nartatez said in a statement. “As we monitor the track and development, we are coordinating with local government units in case there’s a need to implement preemptive evacuation to ensure safety of residents.”

Apart from search and rescue operations, police officers are expected to assist residents in areas vulnerable to flooding.

Police vehicles are also on standby for deployment for Libreng Sakay, or free rides, to commuters in case of floods.

In Pampanga, the police has ordered all its search and rescue equipment to be inspected and checked to ensure their serviceability and readiness for immediate deployment when needed.

The Philippine Coast Guard District North Western Luzon, for its part, placed its deployable response groups on standby and started information dissemination in preparation for the typhoon.

The response groups, composed of search and rescue, K9 and medical personnel, are ready for immediate dispatch in case of flooding and search and rescue situations.