PAGASA Urges Farm Preparations Vs. ‘Dodong’

(PNA) — Government advised farmers in Bicol Region, Northern Samar province and Quezon province’s Polillo Island to brace for typhoon ‘Dodong’ (international name ‘Noul’), expecting this tropical cyclone to bring there rains and gusty winds during the 24-hour period ending 8 a.m. Saturday (May 9).

“Prune excess leaves/branches of fruit-bearing trees that may endanger houses, farm structures and those that may be in contact with live electrical wires,” State-run weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its advisory on Friday (May 8).

PAGASA said ‘Dodong’ is packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near its center and gustiness of up to 185 kilometers per hour.

‘Dodong’ is still over Pacific waters and was 595 kilometers east of Borongan, Eastern Samar province at 4 a.m. Friday, noted PAGASA.

The agency forecast ‘Dodong’ to be 365 kilometers east of Virac in Bicol Region’s Catanduanes province on Saturday morning.

In its 5 a.m. severe weather bulletin released Friday, PAGASA also reported “heavy to intense” rainfall within the 300-kilometer diameter of ‘Dodong.’

“Check storage of harvested crops against entry of rainwater,” PAGASA reminded farmers concerned.

The agency noted such farmers must likewise ensure farm structures won’t harm their livestock.

“Gather and sell highly perishable crops like vegetables,” PAGASA continued.

PAGASA also urged farmers Central Visayas, Caraga Region, Davao, Northern Mindanao and the rest of Eastern Visayas to prepare accordingly.

Such areas will likely experience cloudy weather with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms during the 24-hour reference period, PAGASA said.

Government already raised public storm warning signal (PSWS) 1 in Polillo Island, Northern Samar province and Bicol Region’s Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon provinces.

Winds of 30 kilometers per hour to 60 kilometers per hour are expected there in at least 36 hours, PAGASA said.

“Coastal waters over the eastern sections of Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao will be moderate to rough – fishermen are advised not to venture out into seas in these areas,” PAGASA warned.

Take appropriate action and keep abreast of latest information on the weather, PAGASA also urged communities concerned.

Polillo Island and Bicol Region are along Luzon’s eastern seaboard while Northern Samar lies along the Visayas’ eastern portion.

PAGASA hasn’t discounted the possibility of eventually raising PSWS 1 over the eastern Luzon provinces of Quezon, Aurora and Isabela provinces as well. (PNA) FPV/CJT/EDS