Prepare for Typhoon ‘Mangkhut,’ Local Name ‘Ompong’

Weather forecasters reported on Monday, September 10, that Typhoon Mangkhut is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday afternoon. Once it enters PAR, it will be called by its local name, Typhoon “Ompong.”

In a report by the Inquirer, weathermen raised the alert on Typhoon “Mangkhut” as it continuously gains strength while moving into the PAR. With its current speed of 35 kph, Mangkhut will hit the northern part Luzon on Wednesday afternoon. Stormy weather is expected in Cagayan and the Batanes provinces on Thursday and Friday.

PAGASA warns public vs alarmist texts stating Mangkhut is a ‘Super Typhoon’

On Monday, PAGASA declared alarmist texts a “hoax” as reported by ABS-CBN. These messages state that Mangkhut will be a super typhoon bringing in winds of 240 kph by Thursday and gusts of about 306 kph by the coming weekend. According to forecaster Ezra Bulquerin, they do not know how strong the typhoon will be yet.

Bulquerin adds that Mangkhut may still strengthen while it is still in the water, but will need have maximum sustained winds of more than 220 kph to be categorized as a super typhoon.  The Japan Meteorological Agency and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center both estimate Mangkhut’s current strength at 150 kph. The JMA, however, does not expect this weather disturbance to escalate into a super typhoon.

Cloudy skies and scattered rain showers are expected over Luzon on Thursday. In the western parts of Visayas and Mindanao, moderate to occasionally heavy rains are to be anticipated which will be the result of the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Malacañang urges PH to brace for Ompong. The public is reminded to prepare for the arrival of Typhoon Ompong by taking defensive measures with vigilance and to always be ready. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the government had prepared relief supplies and food in the projected path of Ompong.