Leon weakens after battering Batanes, to leave PAR

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Leon was forecast to leave the Philippine area of responsibility last night after battering Batanes, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Leon weakened into typhoon category yesterday and will continue to weaken after crossing Taiwan’s landmass.

Leon (Kong-rey) was monitored 320 kilometers north-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes as it moves northwestward at 25 km per hour, carrying maximum sustained winds of 155 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 255 kph

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 2 was still raised over the northern portion of Batanes yesterday afternoon.

Signal No.1 was hoisted over the rest of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of mainland Cagayan, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte.

PAGASA said that there is still a moderate risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak heights of two to three meters above normal tide levels over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Batanes.

The trough of Leon is bringing scattered rains over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. Visayas and Mindanao may see isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

The government has enough assets to address the effects of Typhoon Leon and is in full control of the situation, President Marcos said yesterday.

In a statement, Marcos gave assurance that state agencies and instrumentalities remain on full alert and are ready to deploy aid wherever needed.

“I assure the Filipino people that the government is ably handling all disaster management efforts. We remain in full control,” the President said.

“Our resources and personnel may be stretched due to the impact of typhoons on multiple fronts. Nevertheless, we have sufficient assets to mitigate the worst impact, recover from the wreckage, and rebuild stronger than before,” he added.

Marcos said the government is continuously undertaking relief and recovery efforts in areas hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine while ramping up preparations for Leon.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said systems are in place to assist the areas affected by Leon.

“Our system is intact. Our command and control remain intact.