The state weather bureau PAGASA confirmed early Wednesday that a low-pressure area off the coast of Luzon has developed into a tropical depression named Emong. This marks the second active cyclone within Philippine territory, while a third system looms with increasing probability of formation.
At 8 a.m. on July 23, Emong was spotted 105 kilometers northwest of Northern Luzon. It packed sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour with gusts reaching 55 kilometers per hour. The storm is moving west southwest at a rapid speed of 35 kilometers per hour, based on PAGASA’s monitoring data.
A Tropical Cyclone Bulletin was set to be released at 11 a.m. to provide the public with up-to-date warnings and advisories.
PAGASA meteorologists said that Emong could bring light to moderate rains over parts of Northern Luzon, especially in coastal and low-lying areas. Residents in these zones were advised to prepare for possible floods and landslides.
The swift formation of Emong comes just as another weather system, Tropical Depression Dante, intensified into a tropical storm earlier the same morning.
Dante intensifies as it moves toward northern boundary
As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, Tropical Storm Dante was located 880 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon. It had maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour. PAGASA reported that Dante was heading north northwest at 15 kilometers per hour.
Meteorologists expect Dante to remain outside the Philippine landmass. However, its outer rainbands may still enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, affecting large portions of Luzon and Visayas.
While it is too early to determine if Dante will directly impact the country, the weather agency emphasized that its effects may still be felt indirectly through rain and winds, particularly in western parts of the Philippines.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advised local governments to monitor bulletins and mobilize preemptive evacuation if necessary. Coastal towns and mountainous communities were reminded to remain on alert due to the potential for flash floods and landslides.
New disturbance spotted east of Visayas may turn into storm
Even as Emong and Dante dominate the weather map, PAGASA said that a third low-pressure area east of Eastern Visayas could develop into another tropical depression. The LPA was located approximately 2,340 kilometers from Eastern Visayas as of Wednesday morning.
Forecasters said it had a high chance of becoming a tropical depression within four hours. The system is still too far to determine its impact on local weather. However, its formation could place the Philippines under the influence of three active weather disturbances at once.
Weather specialists noted that the clustering of systems is not unusual during this time of year. July and August are peak months for cyclones entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Authorities are closely monitoring all developments, especially the possibility of the third system entering and affecting eastern provinces.
Precautionary measures urged as storm systems increase
The Office of Civil Defense released a public reminder encouraging residents to prepare emergency kits, reinforce their homes, and stay updated with official bulletins from PAGASA.
In low-lying and coastal areas of Northern Luzon, some residents have already started reinforcing their roofs and clearing drainage systems. The Philippine Coast Guard, meanwhile, issued a warning to fisherfolk and small sea vessels to avoid setting sail, especially in regions affected by Emong and Dante.
Local governments were instructed to activate barangay-level disaster response teams to ensure real-time monitoring and coordination with national agencies.
Emong is the fifth named cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year. Weather analysts warn that more may follow as the wet season progresses.
With back-to-back cyclones forming and another system developing fast, forecasters are keeping their eyes on satellite data for signs of rapid intensification.
As PAGASA continues to track all three disturbances and release advisories throughout the day, the public is urged to brace for what may be a turbulent week ahead.
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.