MANILA — The meteorological forecast for Luzon reveals the imminent arrival of harsh weather conditions driven by a southwesterly wind pattern, partly influenced by Typhoon Aghon, as announced by the weather bureau on Wednesday. This atmospheric phenomenon is poised to unleash heavy rainfall and brisk winds across Luzon in the days ahead.

Anticipate moderate to heavy downpours spanning the western territories of Northern and Central Luzon, alongside Mimaropa, persisting until Thursday. Additionally, intermittent bursts of strong winds are expected to sweep through various regions, including Batanes, Ilocos, Zambales, Bataan, northern Aurora, southern Quezon, the Polillo Islands, Palawan, Lubang Islands, Romblon, Marinduque, and Camarines Norte, over the next three days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) emphasizes the likelihood of moderate to rough sea conditions along the coastal waters of Batanes, prompting advisories for mariners operating small vessels to exercise utmost caution.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Aghon remains approximately 870 km east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, which is anticipated to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility within the day. With maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gusts of up to 160 kph, the typhoon has not warranted the hoisting of any tropical cyclone wind signals.

Government aid efforts have intensified, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reporting disbursement of over PHP 4.12 million in aid to areas affected by Aghon. This assistance encompasses various provisions such as accommodation and transportation aid, family food packs, hot meals, hygiene kits, and traditional “malongs,” distributed across Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Central Visayas.

The calamity response body notes that the tally of affected families stands at 16,336, equivalent to 51,659 individuals, with 3,878 families (14,816 individuals) seeking refuge in 185 evacuation centers and an additional 1,585 families (6,409 individuals) receiving aid outside formal shelter arrangements.

Confirmed casualties from the typhoon remain minimal, with one reported fatality and one injury in Northern Mindanao. The NDRRMC is actively verifying reports of seven additional injuries in the Bicol region. 

(el Amigo/MNM)