Metro Manila spared direct hit as Glenda strikes Cavite, Bataan MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2 - 9:37 a.m.) Metro Manila was spared a direct hit by typhoon Glenda, with the eye of the storm passing over Cavite and Manila Bay to the Bataan-Zambales area. By 9 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Glenda was over Balanga, Bataan and would be heading to Zambales before exiting to the West Philippine Sea later in the day. The storm maintained its strength and accelerated slightly as it skimmed past southern Metro Manila, passing over General Trias and Trece Martirez in Cavite with winds of 150 kilometers per hour gusting to 185 kph, moving west-northwest and accelerating from 19 kph to 26 kph. Nevertheless, the National Capital Region, one of 15 areas under public storm warning signal No. 3 (winds of 101-185 kph), felt the storm’s fury with wide swathes of the metropolis losing power as branches were torn off trees and electricity lines snapped. Several areas reported flying debris from strong winds. Manila Electric Co. spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga, estimated that up to 90 percent of power was down not only within the utilitys franchise area but also other places served by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. However, he said they could begin restoring power only when the winds abated sufficiently to make it safe for emergency crews to venture out to undertake surveys and repairs. All government offices and schools were closed, with authorities urging people to stay indoors. Evacuations were also reported in flood-prone areas, particularly in northern Metro Manila, where the concern was of a 1.8-meter high tide past noon. In Marikina City, authorities were monitoring water levels at the Tullahan River, which had risen to 15 meters mid-morning, in case the major water channel continued to swell, making evacuation necessary. In the Makati central district, television footage showed a concrete slab fallen from the side of the Glorietta 5 mall. Estimated rainfall remained a moderate to intense 7.5-30.0 mm per hour within the 500-km diameter of the storm. PAGASA said Glenda made landfall four times -- over Rapu-Rapu Island in Albay, Legazpi City, Quezon province and Bataan. However, the weather bureau said heavy rains should be expected over the metropolis and adjoining provinces the whole day as the storm continues enhancing the southwest monsoon, or habagat. PAGASA warned of a possible storm surge of as high as three meters along the coast of Manila Bay. Aside from Metro Manila, under Signal No. 3 are Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Quezon including Polillo and Alabat Islands, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Marinduque, and the northern part of the Mindoro provinces including Lubang Island. Signal No, 2 (61-100 kph winds) is hoisted over La Union, Benguet, Nueva Ecija, southern Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Burias Island, Romblon, and the rest of the Mindoro provinces. Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, the rest of Aurora, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Ticao Island and Masbate are under Signal No. 1. Source:interaksyon/article/91290/metro-manila-spared-direct-hit-as-glenda-strikes-cavite-bataan -admin agustine
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 01:52:05 +0000
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