The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) lowered storm signals in Luzon while typhoon Quiel makes its way out of the country.

Meanwhile, signal no. 1 is still raised in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales and Pangasinan.

Only one casualty was reported in Isabela. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Benito Ramos confirmed that a resident named Sonny Marco was killed in a landslide that occurred in Brgy. Gurogon, Mt. Province.

Given the international name “Nalgae,” Quiel was reportedly located 290 kilometers west of Baguio City at 11 a.m. with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph). Its diameter remains at 500 kilometers and is estimated to bring 15 to 25 millimeters of rainfall.

Initially, reported to leave the country Sunday morning, typhoon Quiel is now expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this evening with a speed of 20 kph. It will be heading west towards Vietnam and may gain more strength as it moves over West Philippine Sea.

Ramon next

Meanwhile, a low pressure area (LPA) was spotted 660 kilometers east of Visayas. The PAGASA is monitoring the LPA which is already within the PAR in care it develops into a tropical depression. Nevertheless, it is said to be still too far from the Philippines to have direct effect.

It will be codenamed “Ramon” if it becomes a cyclone, said PAGASA forecaster Jun Galang.

Still flooded

Around 300 barangays are still flooded brought about by typhoon Pedring several days ago. More than 60,000 people are in evacuation centers and an estimated 2,000 homes were destroyed.

Rescue officials said there are still a lot of people trapped in their homes in Calumpit, Bulacan. Calumpit Mayor James de Jesus asked the Philippine Air Force to aid rescue operations to reach families isolated by the floods.

"Nananawagan po ako sa mga armed forces na may mga pwedeng magdala dun, mga choppers, ay bagsakan na natin [ng pagkain at supplies]. Di po namin sila mailikas lahat, napakarami po nila [so] that is impossible. Ang importante po 'yung mga nasa bubong they need help, mailikas sana through air," he told media.