MANILA – Two meteorological agencies have downgraded the category of typhoon ''Ruby'' (international name: Hagupit).
The Hawaii-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) of the US Navy, has downgraded Ruby from the maximum ''super typhoon'' category to ''typhoon'' status.
The Japan Meteorological Agency also downgraded the typhoon from the maximum ''violent'' to ''very strong''.
The JTWC, in its advisory issued 11 a.m. Friday (Manila time), said Ruby was packing one-minute average maximum sustained winds of 231 kilometers per hour (125 knots) and gusts of 277 kph (150 knots) as of 8 a.m. Friday.
The JTWC had earlier upgraded Ruby to super-typhoon status after its wind strength reached around 300 kph, matching those brought by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
The weather bureau forecasts the typhoon to grow weaker as it approaches the Philippines. The expected weakening of the weather disturbance is attributed to its interaction with land.
Based on its forecast track for the typhoon, the JTWC said Ruby's wind strength could decrease to 120 kph (65 knots) by the time it reaches the vicinity of Metro Manila.
''Hagupit will maintain a generally west to west- northwestward trajectory under the steering influence of the subtropical ridge,''the JTWC said.
The sub-tropical ridge is a large belt of high pressure system in the northern hemisphere that is referred to as an anti-cyclone system. This system has prevented the upward movement of the typhoon, forcing the weather disturbance to hit the Philippines.
''Bulk of the dynamic models have come into closer agreement on a generally westward track over the Philippines. While there is still some disagreement in the exact placement of the system, ranging between the Cagayan Valley to just north of Panay, there is better confidence in the JTWC forecast track," the JTWC said.
Abs-cbn
MANILA -- Typhoon "Ruby" (International name "Hagupit") maintained its strength as it barreled towards the Philippines, state weather bureau PAGASA said.
In its 11 a.m. update on Friday, PAGASA said Ruby has also maintained its speed and direction, moving west northwest at 13 kilometers per hour (kph) towards Eastern Visayas.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall in Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area by Saturday evening, PAGASA said.
Ruby was located at 435 kilometers east of Borongan, Eastern Samar as of 10 a.m. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kph near the center and gusts of up to 250 kph.
It is forecast to be 120 kms east Northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar on Saturday morning; 50 kms west of Catarman, Northern Samar or 60 kms east of Masbate City, Masbate on Sunday morning; and in the vicinity of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Monday morning.
PAGASA forecaster Chris Perez said there may be changes in the speed of the typhoon due to several atmospheric factors. He noted that a faster movement will result in fewer rains being dumped in the typhoon's path.
Perez, nonetheless, warned that the danger being posed by the typhoon remains the same, regardless of its speed.
As expected, the typhoon's intensity is expected to decrease upon hitting land.
The Hawaii-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) said there is still uncertainty over the exact course that the typhoon will take after making landfall in the Philippines.
''Bulk of the dynamic models have come into closer agreement on a generally westward track over the Philippines. While there is still some disagreement in the exact placement of the system, ranging between the Cagayan Valley to just north of Panay, there is better confidence in the JTWC forecast track," the JTWC said.
In its advisory issued at 11 a.m. Friday (Manila time), the typhoon is forecast to be within the vicinity of Metro Manila on December 9, Wednesday, at 8 a.m.
STORM SIGNALS
Public storm warning signals remain hoisted raised over 34 areas.
Public storm warning signal number 2 (winds of 61-100 kph expected in at least 24 hours) has been raised over the following areas, which PAGASA said will experience occasional rains and gusty winds:
Luzon
Visayas
Public storm warning signal number 1 (winds of 30-60 kph expected in at least 36 hours) has been raised over the following areas, where PAGASA said that residents in low-lying and mountainous areas should be alerted against possible flash floods and landslides:
Luzon
Visayas
Mindanao
STORM SURGE
PAGASA warned areas in the typhoon's path of storm surges. It said storm surges as high as 4 meters, accompanied by strong winds and heavy to intense rainfall, shall be expected upon the typhoon's landfall in the vicinity of Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area.
Estimated rainfall amount is from 7.5-20 millimeters per hour, classified as "heavy to intense," within the 700-km diameter of typhoon Ruby.
PAGASA cautioned fishermen and those using small sea vessels against venturing out into the sea, as there will be rough to very rough sea conditions in the seaboard of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, the seaboards of Visayas and over the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao.
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CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard-Cebu expects almost a hundred vessels to join the fluvial procession today in seawaters off the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.
The PCG registered at least 85 vessels but the number may increase as they are expecting other smaller vessels to join today despite not registering with their office.
PCG-Cebu District Commander Rodulfo Villajuan said they have designated areas where small and large vessels should stand by.
"Hindi maiiwasan na may mga sasali kaya hindi na naming ma-hold 'yan but we have to make sure na andu'n sila sa hulihan," Villajuan said.
He added that he designated a task group to take charge of the line formation between the vessels to avoid possible incidents.
"Ninety eight percent ready na kami ngayon kasi hirap namang sabihing 100 percent, hindi naman kami perpekto," Villajuan said.
Furthermore, the head of PCG Central Visayas, Commodore William Melad, said they will base the decision to continue or cancel the fluvial procession on the weather advisory by PAGASA.
As of 6:30 p.m. last night, Melad said they have not yet decided on the matter while preparations continued for the fluvial procession from Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City to Pier 1 in Cebu City.
PAGASA Mactan officer-in-charge Al Quiblat said tropical depression Agaton, the first weather system for the year, will bring rains up to the Fiesta Señor on Sunday if it does not dissipate.
The state weather bureau yesterday placed Southern Leyte under public storm signal number 1, the lone Visayas area, together with Mindanao areas of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Dinagat Province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.
Quiblat added that the public must be alert for possible landslides and floods.
Waves measuring 3.4 meters to 4.5 meters high are probable in the Visayan seaboard, sea crafts that plan to sail have been cautioned.
Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said everyone must contribute to fervent prayers in order to have good weather condition for the fluvial and solemn procession.
"We just continuously pray and prepare because that's the only thing we can do. But knowing Sto. Niño, there might be miracles. The adjustments would be to bring umbrellas…don't bring too many cars to lessen traffic congestion," Rama said.p (FREEMAN)
THE weather bureau gave this Saturday’s fluvial parade a go signal, but with a catch: small boats will not be allowed to join.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) told organizers to push through with the fluvial procession despite the rainy weather, but asked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) not to allow small vessels to participate.
Pagasa Mactan weather bureau chief Oscar Tabada said light to moderate rain is still expected on Saturday.
Tabada visited Cebu City Hall yesterday to update Mayor Michael Rama of the latest weather forecast in the next few days.
Wind movement he said will reach 15 to 30kph on Saturday.
He said big vessels can withstand the weather condition this Saturday.
He said that the low tide on Saturday is a big factor to allow the fluvial procession since it will not produce big waves even if it will rain. The height of the tide will only reach up to .23 meters at around 5:55 a.m.
Tabada, though, clarified that it will still be the PCG who will decide on the cancellation of the event since Pagasa only provides the weather forecast.
“It will still be PCG’s discretion to cancel or not the fluvial, Pagasa will just recommend and provide the data,” Tabada told reporters.
Rain
There will also be light to moderate rain shower on the solemn foot procession on Saturday afternoon.
Tabada said, Cebu will experience moderate to heavy rain on Friday. A better weather condition will be observed on the grand parade on Sunday.
“The weather condition on Sunday will be much better than the condition last week, though there will still be rain,” he added.
Tabada also clarified that there is no storm signal yet and only the low pressure area(LPA) is affecting the Visayas that caused the rain.
There is also a low chance that the LPA will develop into a tropical storm, Tabada added.
Registered
As of yesterday, the Cebu Coast Guard had registered 29 vessels that will join thefluvial procession.
Cebu Coast Guard Commander Rodulfo Villajuan said they registered 11 big vessels and 18 motorbancas.
The registration will end today, but Villajuan said they may still give chances to those who are interested despite the deadline.
When asked if they may have to cancel the fluvial procession if there is a low pressure area, Villajuan said this may be decided on the day of the procession.
“Hindi kami basta-basta makaka-declare nyan, if there will be a low pressure or typhoon we will have a coordination with the different concerned parties such as the basilica for the cancellation of the fluvial if ever,” explained Villajuan.
This year, the fluvial procession will take a shorter route to the Ouano wharf, where the galleon-inspired motorized boat that will take the images of the Sto. Niño, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and St. Joseph back to Cebu City is docked.
From the St. Joseph National Shrine, the procession will proceed to S.B. Cabahug St., A. Soriano Ave., J.M. Ceniza, then to the Ouano wharf. In the past years, the procession passes through P. Burgos, C. Ouano, C.M. Cabahug Sts. and then to the Ouano wharf.
During last year’s fluvial, almost 150 vessels joined the procession.
Villajuan, who is new on his post, said he cannot yet tell if there will be more vessels joining this year, but he hopes that it will be a successful procession.
He said they will still have to decide on what to do to unregistered vessels who will join the fluvial. (Sun Star)
CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama declared Sinulog 2014 festivities open after the 2:30 p.m. Mass held at the Pilgrims’ Center of the Basilica del Sto. Niño.
“Allow me to declare by virtue of being the mayor, the overall chairman of Cebu Sinulog Foundation 2014 together with President Renato Osmeña, Governor Hilario Davide III, Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, and all the Councilmen, to all of you, I now declare Sinulog 2014 open,” said Rama to the thundering applause of the devotees.
The crowd was estimated at 35,500 by Waterfront police station chief Chief Insp. Wildemar Tiu.
The Mass was presided by Parish Priest Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Msgr. Roberto Boy F. Alesna.
Sinulog 2014 has the theme “Sto. Niño: Hope of the People” which was also the center of the homily delivered by Alesna. He said the Holy Child gives the people strength and hope after enumerating the calamities experienced by the country especially Visayas region.
“We cannot stop ourselves from being afraid, labi na sa mga kalamidad nga miigo sa atong nasod, but we cannot allow our fears to be in power,” he said.He added in his homily that he is not surprised when people questioned where God was when the calamities struck our region.
“Faith is a fragile thing, but we must not be surprised when doubts arise within us because God will always understand the doubts,” he said.
One of the devotees, Mindee Maristela, 17, was inspired by the homily as she was one of the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda that hit her hometown, Tacloban City, Leyte.
“Good health, and maayo unta makaahon na ang mga survivors sa Yolanda especially akong family,” said Maristela. She said she will try to complete the nine days of novena Masses as she is a devotee of the Holy Child.
Another devotee, Mary Ann Coliao, 15, petitioned to have a peaceful and calamity-free country this year.
“Maayo unta wala na’y kusog nga bagyo nga moigo sa atong country, unya maayo pod unta peaceful ang atong year karon,” said Coliao.
Yolanda Mahusay, 50, a person with disability, who was escorted by her friend to the Mass, said her condition will not stop her completing the novena Mass.
“Maayo unta nga magmaayo lang ang lawas ug unta wala na’y mga kakulian ug katalagman,” Mahusay said. She admitted she has a hard time going back and forth to church since she has to use a wheelchair.
Tiu said they deployed 60 policemen within the vicinity of the church to ensure the security and safety of the devotees. He added nothing untoward happened during the Mass.
Others who attended the Mass included Governor Hilario Davide III, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and city councilors Dave Tumulak, Hanz Abella, and Mary Ann delos Santos.
After the Mass the Sinulog 2014 launching parade assembled in Plaza Sugbo and headed to the Cebu City Sports Center. The parade was led by Rama, Labella and the councilors who attended the Mass. (FREEMAN)
Cebu City is located on the central eastern part of Cebu Province, an island at the center of the Visayas in Southern Philippines.
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