MANILA – The tropical storm Enteng intensified into a severe tropical storm on Tuesday afternoon, according to PAGASA.
Enteng was reported to have sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 115 kilometers per hour. As of 3 p.m., it was situated 165 kilometers west-northwest of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, as per the state weather bureau.
PAGASA forecasted that Enteng would bring between 50 to 100 millimeters (2 to 4 inches) of rainfall to the Ilocos Region and Abra until Wednesday afternoon.
“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards…and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days,” PAGASA warned.
The bureau further stated that the habagat or southwest monsoon, intensified by Enteng, would cause moderate to intense rainfall in various parts of Luzon, particularly along the western regions, over the next three days.
Signal No. 1 remains in effect for areas anticipating winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour, including:
- Ilocos Norte
- Ilocos Sur
- The northern portion of La Union (Luna, Santol, San Juan, Bagulin, Bangar, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, Sudipen, Balaoan, City of San Fernando)
- Abra
Heavy rainfall-triggered floods and landslides have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 12 people, according to officials.
In response to the storm, schools and government offices across Metro Manila and other affected areas were closed for the day, and numerous flights were canceled.
Additionally, the storm caused strong currents and large waves in Manila Bay on Monday, resulting in a barge and an oil tanker being thrown against the seawall, while another barge was set adrift, according to the coast guard.
A tugboat and a small passenger ship also collided while anchored, leading to a fire on the passenger vessel. However, all 18 crew members of MV Kamilla, the ship that caught fire, were safely rescued and accounted for, the coast guard reported.