Gov’t warns of flooding, landslides as Super Typhoon Inday nears

MANILA, Philippines — The government has stepped up preparations for the possible impact of Super Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi), with authorities warning that while the cyclone is not expected to make landfall, it could still trigger dangerous weather conditions over large parts of the country by enhancing the southwest monsoon or “habagat”.

The weather bureau warned that Inday, which will enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early on Wednesday, could bring powerful winds and widespread heavy rains across the country in the coming days.

In an interview on state-run PTV on Tuesday, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) spokesperson Director Edgar Castillo said the agency has been closely monitoring the potential effects of the super typhoon on extreme northern and eastern Luzon, including Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, northern Cagayan, Isabela, and other parts of Cagayan Valley region, as “high-risk” areas.

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The western seaboard of the country, including the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Palawan, Metro Manila, Mindoro, and Western Visayas, could also experience heavy rainfall as Inday strengthens habagat.

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Based on its latest advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Inday slightly weakened as it nears the PAR, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour )km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 230 km/h.

It forecast Inday to be at 1,280 km east of Central Luzon as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, moving 25 km/h westward.

It will maintain its super typhoon strength and is projected to gradually weaken to a typhoon by Thursday as it moves east of extreme northern Luzon while continuing on a northwestward track.

Despite remaining offshore, Inday is expected to pass close to Batanes on Friday before exiting the PAR on Saturday.

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READ: Super Typhoon Inday: Areas in northeastern Cagayan under Signal No. 1

Pagasa hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in towns in the northeastern portion of Cagayan, namely Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Gattaran, and Santa Teresita.

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Depending on the expansion of the typhoon’s wind field, wind signals may also be hoisted over the eastern sections of Southern Luzon and the Visayas.

The highest possible warning currently expected is Signal No. 2 or Signal No. 3.

The heaviest rainfall is expected from Friday to Sunday, particularly over the regions of Negros Island, Western Visayas, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Ilocos Region, the western Cordillera, and Cagayan Valley.

The enhanced monsoon could trigger widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides, especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas.

Castillo urged the public to closely monitor official advisories and weather updates, warning that Inday’s effects could extend far beyond its projected path by enhancing habagat that may trigger heavy rains, landslides, and other weather hazards, including localized thunderstorms, across several parts of the country.

He assured the public that disaster response agencies and disaster risk reduction and management personnel remain on standby and are prepared to respond to any emergencies brought about by the storm.

Castillo said local government units (LGUs) have been advised to monitor high tide schedules, heavy rainfall outlooks, localized thunderstorms, and rough sea conditions.

He cited the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to local authorities to issue sea travel advisories and suspend voyages in areas where sailing has become unsafe.

READ: Evacuations ordered in preparation for Bavi

According to Castillo, the OCD has been coordinating with disaster management councils at every level—from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) down to barangay disaster committees—to ensure local governments are ready to carry out preemptive evacuations in high-risk communities.

He appealed to residents living in flood-prone, landslide-prone, and coastal communities to heed evacuation orders once issued by local authorities.

Acknowledging that many residents hesitate to evacuate because they fear leaving behind their livestock and livelihoods, Castillo said local government units have also been directed to prepare mechanisms for relocating farm animals when necessary.

He said protecting livelihoods forms part of the government’s preemptive and anticipatory measures under the President’s directive.

Castillo said that even before Inday entered PAR, LGUs have been preparing evacuation centers, while national government agencies have already pre-positioned food and non-food supplies to support evacuees.

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Search-and-rescue teams, logistics units, and emergency telecommunications personnel have likewise been placed on standby to respond during and after the typhoon if necessary. /cb