Overview: Ramil Strengthens as It Moves Westward
Tropical Depression Ramil has intensified as it tracks westward over the West Philippine Sea, according to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). In the 11 a.m. advisory, Pagasa put the center of Ramil some 760 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds near the center of up to 55 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 70 kph. The cyclone’s movement is southwest at 25 kph, with outer bands extending as far as 350 kilometers from the center. These measurements signal a growing wind field as Ramil approaches land.
Where Signal No. 1 Has Been Raised
Pagasa issued Public Weather Signal No. 1 for a broad swath of the country, reflecting the potential for winds that could affect daily life and safety. The affected areas include:
- Eastern and southern portions of Quezon (including the Polillo Islands)
- Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur
- Albay and Sorsogon
- Burias Island and Ticao Island
- Northern Samar and the northern portions of Eastern, Northern, and Samar
As the system tracks closer to land, residents in these areas are urged to monitor weather updates and prepare for possible effects such as strong winds, rain, and rough seas. Local authorities also advise securing outdoor items, checking drainage, and ensuring evacuation readiness if winds intensify beyond the current forecast.
Forecast Trajectory: Landfall Scenarios and Impacts
Pagasa’s forecast suggests Ramil could make landfall over Catanduanes on Saturday afternoon. The storm is expected to maintain a generally westward motion for the next 24 hours before veering toward the west-northwest direction toward Central to Southern Luzon. The center of Ramil may make landfall in Catanduanes on Saturday, with potential entry into Aurora or Quezon by Sunday morning. After traversing the landmass of Northern or Central Luzon, Ramil is projected to emerge into the West Philippine Sea by Sunday afternoon or evening and is anticipated to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday morning or afternoon.
Forecasts also indicate continued intensification could occur, with Ramil possibly strengthening into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours and, in some scenarios, into a severe tropical storm. Such changes would raise the risk of stronger winds and heavier rainfall across affected regions. Communities in low-lying and vulnerable areas should stay alert for advisories from local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
What Residents Should Do Now
Given the evolving track and potential for intensification, residents in Signal No. 1 areas should take practical precautions. Create an emergency kit with essential supplies, secure homes and outdoor objects, and plan for possible power interruptions. Those in coastal zones should be aware of potential storm surges and rough seas for boats and fishing activities. Travelers and commuters should monitor transport advisories, as some routes and schedules may be affected by weather conditions.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Possible Changes
The situation remains dynamic. Weather forecasters will continue to refine Ramil’s track and intensity as new data becomes available. Updates from Pagasa and local government units will be critical for timely decisions on evacuations, school suspensions, and other protective measures. For now, readiness and prudent planning are the best responses as communities in the affected regions await more precise forecasts and possible adjustments to warnings.
