Typhoon Katring might enter the Philippines this weekend
Barely a week after Typhoon “Juan” (International name Megi) left the country, a new tropical storm might enter the country on Saturday. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a storming over the Pacific Ocean has turn to a tropical depression and might enter the country this weekend.
Northern Luzon was hit by super typhoon a few days ago and must now prepare for the arrival of Katring since it is expected to take the path similar to Juan. Magat Dam in Isabela has started to relase water since it is only capable of holding 193 meters water level. Ambuklao Dam and Binga Dam have started to open gates in preparation to the threat of water level increase that Typhoon Katring might bring.
PASASA said that the tropical depression was 2,400 kilometers east of the country as of Thursday. Juan is considered as one of the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines in years and is under the category-5 typhoon similar to hurricane Katrina that hit America in 2005. Juan was recorded to have a gustiness of 260 kilometers per hour. Reming with a gustiness of 320 kph hit the country in 2006 and Sening with a gustiness of 275 kph hit the country in 1976.
Juan has claimed the lives of 19 people according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and management council (NDRRMC) as of 1 p.m. Thursday. A total of 1,015,895 people (211,149 families) were affected by the storm. 23,127 persons are still in 170 evacuation centers.
