Marce likely to hit inundated areas

(UPDATE) TROPICAL Storm Marce may hit areas pounded by Severe Storm Kristine and Typhoon Leon, the state-run weather agency warned Monday and urged those in the path of the cyclone to prepare.

“Marce’s track is in the middle of Kristine and Leon’s track. Those in areas affected by the two cyclones should prepare as these are the same areas that may be affected by Marce,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) meteorologist Veronica Torres said in a briefing.

Pagasa said Marce may develop into a severe tropical storm by Tuesday and a typhoon by Wednesday.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, Pagasa said Marce is moving west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Bicol Region.

Estimated some 740 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, the tropical storm has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

Senior weather specialist Chris Perez said Marce was forecast to move generally west-northwestward until Tuesday before turning westward at a slow pace over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon.

“On the forecast track, it will make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands or mainland northern Cagayan on Thursday evening or early Friday morning,” he said.

Due to uncertainty in the strength of the high-pressure area north of Marce, Pagasa said the forecast track might still change and bring the landfall point to the mainland Cagayan-Isabela area.

Marce is likely to gradually intensify and may reach severe tropical storm category Monday night or Tuesday morning and may also reach typhoon category by Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning, Perez said.

With Signal No. 1 likely to be hoisted over portions of Cagayan Monday night or Tuesday morning, the state weather bureau said the highest storm signal that may be raised would be Signal No. 4.

BATANGAS VISIT President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commiserates with Laurel, Batangas residents whose houses were destroyed by severe storm Kristine. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE PHOTO

Metro Manila and the rest of the country would have isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms in 24 hours, the weather agency said.

Pagasa officials could not give the specific strength of Marce compared to its predecessors, Severe Tropical Storm Kristine’ and Typhoon Leon.

“All we could say is regardless of its (Marce) impact, we must all be vigilant and be more prepared,” Perez said.

Also on Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a memorial service in “ground zero” in Talisay, Batangas, to remember those who perished during the recent onslaught of Kristine.

The province was one of those badly hit by the storm, with several towns and municipalities inundated by massive flooding.

“I want to extend my deepest sympathies to every Filipino affected by Typhoon Kristine,” he said in Filipino during the distribution of Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families (PAFF), which followed immediately after.

Batangas reported the highest number of fatalities, with 61 lives lost, at least 20 of whom were from Talisay. Most deaths resulted from landslides and drowning. The entire province of Batangas is under a state of calamity.

Earlier, Malacañang issued Proclamation 728, which declared Nov. 4 as a Day of National Mourning in solidarity with the bereaved families and loved ones of those who perished due to the typhoon.

Marcos during the visit also vowed that the government would work double time to help Batangueños in their recovery.

He directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to begin its assessment of the Bayuyungan Bridge in Talisay and the roads in Agoncillo town, which collapsed due to the heavy rains last week.

Among the major infrastructure damaged in Batangas are the Bugaan Bridge (also known as Bayuyungan Bridge) in Laurel, the slope protection along Bugaan Bridge, and the collapsed road in Agoncillo. These are along the Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo national road section, the only major road that connects the municipalities of Agoncillo, Lemery, and nearby municipalities.

As a result, affected villages are inaccessible, posing challenges to emergency response and transport of agricultural goods.

The DPWH proposed to rebuild the collapsed Bugaan Bridge using P150 million in programmed funds. The damaged slope protection will also be reconstructed for PhP150 million.

Meanwhile, the collapsed road will be reconstructed with a P50 million allotment, it added.

The President also led the distribution of 159 kits of housing materials from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to the municipality of Talisay; 200 kits of housing materials were distributed in Agoncillo.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, urged Filipinos to pray for and make an act of kindness for the victims of Kristine as the country observed a national day of mourning for them.

Romualdez also recognized and honored the efforts of responders, relief workers, and those who volunteered to help storm victims.

“Your bravery and tireless dedication in the face of such hardship bring comfort to many. Your efforts represent the true Filipino spirit of ‘bayanihan’—showing us that even in our darkest hours, there is always someone ready to lend support, ready to lift another up,” he said.

On Monday, the Philippine flag at the House was at half-staff.

In a speech during the House plenary session, Camarines 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. conveyed the gratitude of the Bicolanos, particularly those living in Camarines Sur, in the wake of the devastation wrought by Kristine, and thanked the President and Romualdez for their immediate response to the plight of Bicolanos who were hard hit by the storm.

Bordado also acknowledged “the invaluable contributions of the private sector.”

“In particular, the Angat Buhay Movement led by former vice president Leni Robredo has been quietly working to aid Camarines Sur residents,” he said.

In light of the devastation, he appealed to his fellow House lawmakers “to take decisive action to help Bicol rise once again.”

On Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) convened to assess the situation in the wake of the damage done by tropical storms Kristine and Leon.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who chairs the NDRRMC, said they aim to ensure local and regional preparedness and response operations are in place.

“The NDRRMC urges all citizens to stay informed and heed official advisories as the situation develops. The council remains committed to safeguarding lives and properties across the nation,” the Office of Civil Defense said in a statement.

Many areas in Luzon, especially Batangas and the Bicol Region, are still feeling the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

WITH FRANCIS EARL CUETO