The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has kept its operations on blue alert. Initially triggered by a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, the heightened alert status is being extended as a safety measure for Typhoon Francisco, even though the storm is unlikely to make landfall.
According to state meteorologists, Typhoon Francisco was last spotted 715 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, carrying maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 170 km/h while moving west-northwest at 30 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is currently active over Batanes, northeastern Cagayan (including Gonzaga and Santa Ana), and the eastern Babuyan Islands (specifically Babuyan, Didicas, and Camiguin Islands).
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the typhoon will keep behaviorally boosting the southwest monsoon, or habagat.
“habagat,” which could bring strong to gale-force winds across MIMAROPA, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Forecasters expect Francisco to peak in intensity by June 23 before losing strength. In response, PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered emergency units to deploy nationwide starting Monday morning.
The police are closely coordinating with local governments to manage evacuations in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Meanwhile, the NDRRMC’s virtual operations center remains active to synchronize nationwide relief efforts.