A Tropical Storm (international name Yinxing), the 13th tropical cyclone, to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) was given the local name Marce, the weather bureau said yesterday.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Marce, entered PAR at 4 a.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph.

It was located at 935 km. east of Eastern Visayas as of 4 a.m.

No tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) is hoisted on any part of the country but the hoisting of TCWS No. 1 over portions of Cagayan on Tuesday is possible.

Marce moving northwest could enhance the northeasterly wind flow this week.

On Monday, PAGASA forecasted the northeasterly wind flow to bring gale-force gusts across Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, and the northern portion of Quezon.

Rough seas may be experienced over the seaboards of Batanes and Ilocos Norte.

Mariners of small sea vessels, including all motor bancas, are advised not to venture out to the sea.

The cyclone’s trough could cause rains over extreme Northern Luzon and the eastern section of Luzon beginning Tuesday.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Marce’s forecast track is highly uncertain. The cyclone could either move west toward extreme northern Luzon or mainland Luzon or move erratically over the Philippine Sea east of extreme northern Luzon.

“A westward shift in track is likely within the next 24 hours due to the high-pressure area north of Marce. As such, the landfall scenario may change from Babuyan Islands down to Isabela area,” PAGASA said.

The cyclone is expected to intensify and could reach the typhoon category on Wednesday, PAGASA said.

NDRRMC CALLS FOR VIGILANCE

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) convened on Sunday morning to ensure local and regional preparedness and response operations are in place for the potential effects of the latest weather disturbance.

A low-pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has develop into a tropical depression, according to the 2 p.m. bulletin of state weather bureau PAGASA.

It was last spotted 1,350 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. Once inside PAR, it will be named Marce.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., who also serves as the chair of the NDRRMC, led the meeting with key officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), including Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV and Assistant Secretary Jekereen Joy Casipit.

The DND, OCD and other member-agencies of the NDRRMC are closely monitoring the situation and are enforcing all necessary preparations to mitigate risks and ensure community safety in anticipation of the weather disturbance.

“The NDRRMC urges all citizens to stay informed and heed official advisories as the situation develops. The council remains committed to safeguarding lives and properties across the nation,” the OCD said in a statement.

Parts of Luzon, especially Batangas and the Bicol Region, are still reeling from the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Super Typhoon Leon then drenched northern Luzon, particularly Batanes province, mid last week.

Batanes was also battered by Super Typhoon Julian on the first week of October. Philippine News Agency

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