Typhoon Betty May Cause Floods and Landslides; Wind Signals Up in Several Areas

Typhoon Betty is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds that may trigger floods and landslides in several areas. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised wind signals in some parts of the country as a precautionary measure.

PAGASA said that as of 11 a.m., Typhoon Betty was located at 645 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It is moving westward at 25 kph.

The typhoon is forecasted to move closer to landmass on Thursday afternoon or evening. PAGASA said that it is expected to make landfall over Catanduanes-Albay area by Friday morning or afternoon.

PAGASA said that Typhoon Betty may bring moderate to heavy rains over Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, and Occidental Mindoro which may trigger flash floods and landslides. It also warned that sea travel is risky over the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon due to rough seas caused by the typhoon's enhanced southwest monsoon.

Signal number 2 was hoisted over Catanduanes while Signal number 1 was raised in Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands, Marinduque, Romblon, Northern Quezon including Polillo Island, and Aurora.

PAGASA advised the public to take precautionary measures against possible flooding and landslides especially those living in low-lying and mountainous areas. It also warned fishermen and other sea travelers not to venture out into the sea while the warning signal is up in their area.