MANILA, Philippines — Several parts of Cagayan and Isabela may experience heavy to intense with at times torrential rains due to Typhoon Kiko.

According to the latest bulletin from PAGASA, these conditions may begin Friday (September 10) afternoon and may specifically affect the areas of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Batanes, and northern Isabela.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy with at times intense rains may be experienced over the rest of Isabela.

PAGASA warned that widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 remains hoisted over the areas of Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northeastern portion of Apayao and the northeastern portion of Isabela where strong winds are expected within 36 hours.

PAGASA warns, however, that as the typhoon progresses towards extreme Northern Luzon, higher wind signals will be hoisted in some localities within Northern Luzon.

Based on the latest track and intensity forecast, TCWS No.4 remains the highest wind signal that will be hoisted for Typhoon Kiko.

The typhoon is forecast to pass very close to northeastern Cagayan and cross the vicinity of Babuyan Islands and Batanes between tomorrow afternoon and Saturday afternoon.

The state weather agency sees the possible landfall of Typhoon Kiko over the northeastern portion of Cagayan.

Thus, the public is advised to continue monitoring for possible changes in the track forecast in the succeeding bulletins.

Typhoon Kiko is forecast to maintain its strength in the next 24 hours while passing close to mainland northern Luzon.

Weakening is forecast to begin by Saturday morning while the typhoon is traversing the Babuyan Islands and Luzon Strait.

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Kiko has joined tropical storm Jolina inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) affecting several areas in extreme Northern Luzon.

As of 5:00 AM Thursday (September 9), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hoisted tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 1 over the eastern portion of Cagayan and the northeastern portion of Isabela.

These areas will experience strong breezes to near gale-force winds with occasional gusts within 36 hours which may result in damage to vegetation.

PAGASA stressed that as the typhoon progresses towards extreme Northern Luzon, higher wind signals will be hoisted in some localities within Northern Luzon.

As for the volume of rains, the areas of Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, and northern Isabela will have heavy to intense with at times torrential rains due to the typhoon beginning tomorrow evening.

Meanwhile, mariners are warned that due to the strength of this typhoon, coastal inundation associated with high waves near the coast and storm surge may affect several coastal municipalities in Northern Luzon.

The public and disaster managers, especially those in localities of Northern Luzon are advised to monitor for updates and take precautionary measures ahead of the potential hazards.

MANILA, Philippines—Northern provinces Cagayan, Apayao, and Benguet have reverted to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) after recording high cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The MECQ status will take effect on May 11 until May 23.

As of May 10, Cagayan has 4,657 cases followed by Benguet with 531 and Apayao with 63.

Business operations in the said areas will be limited according to the directive of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

A liquor ban will be implemented while religious gatherings will only be allowed at 10% capacity.  Entertainment and recreational events also be suspended.

Benguet governor Melchor Diclas reported that majority of the COVID-19 cases in their area are severe. Hospitals in Benguet are also in short supply of respirators.

“Dumadami talaga ang mga pasyente natin. Marami ang namamatay at marami ang nagkakasakit ng critical at serious. Ang respirator natin may nagagamit tayong 13 na respirator. Ang bakante nalang ay dalawa,” he said.

(Our patients are increasing. Many have died and many are in critical or serious condition. We have 13 respirators but there are only two available units left.)

Hospitals in Apayao, meanwhile, are at 80% critical level.  In Cagayan Province, Governor Manuel Mamba said Tuguegarao City’s home quarantine setup is still contributing to the rising cases of COVID-19.

“Hindi magiging epektibo ang MECQ sa Tuguegarao City hangga’t may home quarantine,” he said.

(MECQ in Tuguegarao City will not be effective as long as home quarantine is being implemented .)

Mamba continues to reiterate the need to build isolation facilities in Tuguegarao to accommodate COVID-19 patients. AAC (With reports from Marvin Calas)