Typhoon Pepito, locally codenamed “Man-Yi,” continues its northwestward march over the West Philippine Sea, leaving a trail of heavy rain, destructive winds, and significant disruptions across Northern Luzon. As of 4:00 a.m., the typhoon was located 145 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center and gusts reaching up to 160 km/h. The storm, which has a central pressure of 965 hPa, is moving at a speed of 30 km/h, threatening both land and coastal areas.
Regions Bracing for Impact
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has placed various regions under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) alerts. Signal No. 3 has been raised in parts of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Abra, warning of storm-force winds with potential moderate to significant damage to life and property. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 2 and No. 1 remain in effect for other areas, forecasting gale-force and strong winds, respectively.
Northern Luzon provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Zambales, and Pangasinan are particularly vulnerable to gale-force winds, while mountainous areas in Benguet and Mountain Province are advised to prepare for landslides and road blockages. PAGASA has also warned of localized storm surges in low-lying coastal areas, with the Ilocos region and Central Luzon facing inundation risks exceeding three meters.
Disrupted Maritime Activities
Coastal waters across Northern and Central Luzon are experiencing very rough to rough sea conditions, with wave heights peaking at five meters in some areas. Authorities have issued gale warnings, urging mariners to avoid sea travel, especially for small and mid-sized vessels. The seaboards of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, and Babuyan Islands remain highly perilous for navigation, prompting all port operators to suspend operations until further notice.
Rainfall and Flooding Risks
Typhoon Pepito is expected to bring significant rainfall to affected regions. PAGASA has issued advisories for severe rain-induced hazards, including landslides and flash floods in both upland and lowland communities. Metro Manila, nearby provinces, and major rivers in Central Luzon are also on high alert for potential overflow due to continuous rainfall.
Residents in hazard-prone areas have been urged to evacuate, with local disaster response teams on high alert. Authorities have already set up temporary shelters and pre-positioned relief goods to assist displaced families.
Typhoon’s Forecasted Path
Pepito is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by late morning or early afternoon on November 18. Once it moves into the West Philippine Sea, the typhoon will gradually weaken due to an incoming northeasterly wind surge. By Wednesday evening, the storm is likely to downgrade into a remnant low as it approaches southern China.
Calls for Better Preparedness
As Pepito nears its exit, debates over the country’s typhoon preparedness have reignited. Critics argue that despite advanced warnings, many communities remain under-equipped to deal with the storm’s impact. PAGASA continues to monitor the typhoon’s trajectory, urging the public to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.