After crossing the rugged Sierra Madre terrain, typhoon, 'Pedring' (International name: NESAT) has slowed down but will continue to batter several parts of the country.
In its 11:00 am Tuesday bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) says Pedring is located 100 kilometers east of Baguio City, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph, 20 kilometers less its previous strength, and now with gustiness of 150, moving at 19 kph.
Pagasa said rainfall estimate is 15-25 mm per hour.
Signal # 3 is raised in the following areas:
Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union, Nueva Viscaya, Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, the following are under Signal # 2: Apayao Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, Bataan, Metro Manila
Signal # 1: Babuyan, Calayan group of Islands, Northern Quezon, Polillo Island, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Lubang Island, Cavite
"Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signals are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone," Pagasa said in its advisory.
Manila floods
A dzMM news report said at least 30 vehicles were affected as basement parking area in Sofitel hotel gets flooded. A forced evacuation is in place, following the collapse of a seawall behind the hotel premises, the dzMM report added.
In Manila, floods have been reported along major thoroughfare Roxas boulevard and is no longer passable to all types of vehicles. Floods reach chest-high near the Luneta park, a radio dzMM report said.
Employees of the U.S. embassy are already for evacuation, the report added.
Leg-high flood waters were also reported inside Ospital ng Maynila, according to dzMM. The hospital has also appealed for portable generators after a power interruption hit the area.
Deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte earlier announced the suspension of work in all government offices Tuesday.
Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the suspension covers NCR, Regions 1, 2, 3, CAR, Batangas Cavite, Rizal and Laguna.
Classes from preschool to college have been suspended in the said areas.
