Aghon exits PAR, leaves 6 dead

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Aghon is forecast to leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by this afternoon and is no longer affecting any part of the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Aghon was monitored 535 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes as of 5 p.m. yesterday. It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 130 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph as it moved northeastward at 30 kph.

PAGASA said Aghon may undergo a short period of intensification but will enter a period of weakening by today. An earlier weakening is not ruled out as it interacts with the mid-latitude environment and undergoes post-tropical transition.

Aghon is unlikely to directly bring a significant amount of rainfall within the next three days.

However, the southwesterly windflow will bring moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas and the western section of Luzon in the next three days.

The wind flow that is partially influenced by Aghon will also bring occasional gusty conditions over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Aklan and Antique.

The windflow is bringing scattered rainshowers over Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the frontal system is bringing scattered rains over Batanes, Babuyan Islands and Apayao, while localized thunderstorms may affect Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during heavy rains.

Despite the rains, the heat index again breached the extreme danger levels in Guiuan, Eastern Samar for the second day in a row.

The heat index reached a sweltering 54 degrees Celsius on Monday, a day after it recorded the highest heat index of 55 degrees Celsius for the year on Sunday.

Three more fatalities have been reported in Quezon province due to the onslaught of Aghon.

According to records gathered by the Quezon Provincial Police Office, two people died in Lucena City – one due to drowning and another after being struck by a fallen tree.

Meanwhile, in the town of