BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines — Bacolod City as well as eight other cities and five towns have been placed under Tropical Wind Signal No. 1 as Auring continues to move north westward, the 5 p.m. bulletin from weather bureau PAGASA said.
The other cities and towns under TWS no. 1 are Bacolod City, Bago City, Cadiz City, Calatrava, Enrique B. Magalona, Escalante City, Manapla, Murcia, Sagay City, Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City, Silay City, Talisay City, Toboso, Victorias City).
The latest severe weather bulletin, issued at 5 p.m. today, shows that Tropical Storm Auring has maximum sustained winds of 65 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km per hour.
The Philippine Coast Guard has announced that all sea trips going to Iloilo are now suspended until further notice.
Under tropical wind signal number 1, there is very light or no damage to low risk structures, light damage to medium to high risk structures, slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities.
Some banana plants are tilted, a few downed and leaves are generally damaged while twigs of small trees may be broken.
Rice crops, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
When the tropical cyclone is strong or is intensifying and is moving closer, this signal may be upgraded to the next higher level.
The waves on coastal waters may gradually develop and become bigger and higher so people are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin issued by PAGASA every six hours.
In the meantime, business may be carried out as usual except when flood occur. Disaster preparedness is activated to alert status.
WHAT TO DO
In areas declared under signal no. 1, residents are advised to inspect their house if necessary repair/fixing is needed; to clean up drainage system, to harvest crops that can be yielded, and to monitor the latest Severe Weather Bulletin issued By PAGASA every six hours and hourly updates.
