‘Helen’ threatens Batanes
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical depression “Helen” maintained its strength, but was almost stationary, as it continued to threaten the northernmost Batanes province late Monday morning, the state weather bureau said.
At 10 a.m., the storm, which packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, was located 360 kilometers east of Batanes’ capital town, Basco, , the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. bulletin.
The storm is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing rains over Luzon, PAGASA said.
“The storm will pass near Batanes and is headed in the general direction of Taiwan,” PAGASA director Prisco Nilo said in a phone interview.
Moving west “slowly,” the storm is forecast to be at 280 kilometers east of Basco on Tuesday morning, 190 kilometers east of Basco by Wednesday morning, and 120 kilometers east of Basco by Thursday morning, according to the PAGASA bulletin.
The state weather bureau warned residents in low-lying areas against flash floods and landslides.
View article as posted on INQUIRER.net
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