Storm Surge Warnings Impact Northern Luzon Due to Emong
Storm surge warnings were raised early Friday in several Northern Luzon provinces as Severe Tropical Storm Emong (international name: Co-May) approached, according to weather authorities. Residents in coastal communities face a moderate to high risk of storm surges reaching heights between 2.1 to 3 meters within the next 24 hours.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) highlighted the urgency of the situation and urged locals to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding and dangerous waves.
High-Risk Areas for Storm Surge
The following municipalities and cities under Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan provinces are at elevated risk of storm surge:
Ilocos Norte: Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Burgos, Currimao, Laoag City, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin
Ilocos Sur: Cabugao, Caoayan, Candon City, Vigan City, Magsingal, Narvacan, San Esteban, San Juan (Lapog), San Vicente, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sinait, Tagudin
Pangasinan: Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Caba, San Fernando City, Luna, Rosario, San Juan, Santo Tomas
Moderate Storm Surge Risk Areas
Other areas face a moderate risk with expected water levels reaching 1 to 2 meters, including parts of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, and Zambales provinces:
Batanes: Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang, Uyugan
Cagayan: Abulug, Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey, Calayan, Claveria, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Pamplona, Peñablanca, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, Santa Teresita
Isabela: Dinapigue, Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan
Zambales: Botolan, Cabangan, Candelaria, Iba, Masinloc, Palauig, San Antonio, San Felipe, San Narciso, Santa Cruz, Subic
Precautionary Measures for Coastal Residents
Pagasa strongly advised residents in the affected coastal zones to take all necessary precautions. Due to the possibility of high waves caused by the storm surge, people should avoid beaches and shorelines. The agency also recommended canceling all marine activities in these areas.
Local leaders urged evacuees to move to safer, higher ground immediately to avoid flood risks. Emergency services are on alert, preparing for possible rescues and aid distribution.
Current Status of Emong
As of the latest update, Emong was last detected near San Isidro in Abra province, moving west-northwest at 25 kilometers per hour. The storm carries maximum sustained winds of 100 kph, with gusts reaching up to 165 kph, intensifying the threat of storm surges and flooding.
Residents and travelers are urged to monitor official updates continuously and comply with government advisories for their safety.
For more news and updates on storm surge warnings, visit Filipinokami.com.