EGAY has developed into a super typhoon, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph, the weather bureau said yesterday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Egay was last tracked 310 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Signal no. 3 has been hoisted over Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of mainland Cagayan, the northeastern portion of Isabela, and the northern portion of Apayao.

Signal no. 2 was raised over Batanes, the rest of mainland Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, the northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the northern portion of Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and the northern and central portion of Aurora.

Areas under signal No. 1 are La Union, Pangasinan, the rest of Benguet, the rest of Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Burias Island, and Ticao Island, and Northern Samar.

Both Egay and the southwest monsoon will continue to bring gusty conditions over the following areas not under any wind signal, especially in coastal and upland or mountainous areas: Luzon, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the northern portions of Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

Sea travel is risky for most vessels.

AFFECTED FAMILIES TOP 4.5K

Families affected by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and Super Typhoon Egay have reached 4,554 in five regions in the country, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported yesterday.

These 4,554 families are equivalent to 16,888 persons residing in 28 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.

MIMAROPA COPS ON ALERT

Police Regional Office 4-B (Mimaropa) chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria, has placed all police units and stations in the region on alert to ensure the safety of the public amid the possible effects of the super typhoon.

We are working in close collaboration with local government units and relevant agencies to synchronize efforts and respond effectively to the potential impact of Typhoon Egay,” Doria said.

He also emphasized the activation of disaster response teams, strategically positioning trained personnel and essential resources in areas prone to the typhoon’s impact.

480 STRANDED IN 2 W. VISAYAS PORTS

Some 480 passengers are stranded in two ports of Western Visayas following the cancellation of trips due to Super Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon yesterday.

Data from the Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) showed that 165 passengers bound for Tabuelan, Cebu were stranded at the Barcelona port in Escalante, Negros Occidental while 315 others bound for Mindoro, Romblon, and Batangas were stuck at the Caticlan Jetty port in Malay, Aklan.

In its 5 a.m. advisory, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said “strong to gale force winds” were expected to affect Western Visayas.

“Rough to high sea conditions are risky for all types of sea vessels. Mariners are advised to remain in port or take shelter in port until winds and waves subside,” the advisory added.

Canceled trips included those from ports of Estancia, Iloilo going to Sicogon/Gigantes Island; Concepcion to Tambaliza, Igbon, and Malangabang; Bancal in Carles to Gigantes Island, all in Iloilo and Ajuy port going to EB Magalona in Negros Occidental.

Trips from the port of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental going to Toledo, Cebu were also suspended.

The Montenegro Shipping Lines canceled its trips from Lapuz wharf going to Guimaras.

Trips from Iloilo City to Bacolod City via Ocean Jet and Weesam Express were canceled except for the latter’s 11:30 a.m. schedule.

SC SUSPENDS COURT OPERATIONS IN CAGAYAN, BATANES, TUGUEGARAO

The Supreme Court announced yesterday the suspension of court work in select areas in Cagayan, Batanes, and Tuguegarao City, as Egay brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to the region.

In Batanes, all court activities have been suspended until tomorrow, July 26, in response to the severe weather conditions.

Authorities are closely monitoring the typhoon’s path as it is projected to move towards Taiwan and eastern China in the coming days.

As the typhoon progresses, it is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall to the mountainous regions of the northern provinces, raising concerns about the heightened risk of landslides in the affected areas.

Affected residents were urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant during this time. Philippine News Agency, Hector Lawas