Metro: How Metro Manila will be affected by 'Ruby'
Source: ABS-CBN News
Date: December 5, 2014
State weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday that Metro Manila, despite not being
on the typhoon's path, will still experience rains as Ruby, (international name
'Hagupit) makes landfall Saturday afternoon.
In an interview on radio DZMM, Dr. Landrico Dalida, Jr., deputy deputy director for
operations and services of PAGASA, said the National Capital Region (NCR) will
experience rains as it is located at the outer edge of the 600-kilometer diameter of
the typhoon.
"Dadaplisan po ang Manila, nasa 30 to 60 kilometers [na winds], nasa outer edge
habang papasok po ang bagyo sa Kabisayaan," Dalida added.
Ruby is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the country, especially to
the provinces along its path.
Dalida clarified that Manila will not bear the brunt of the typhoon.
"Magdadala po ito ng tubig at hangin, pero hindi kasingtindi ng nasa gitna," he
added.
Metro Manila is expected to experience rains from Saturday afternoon to Sunday.
Ruby is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds in the affected provinces.
According to Dalida, it may maintain its strength as it makes landfall, especially
since there are no mountains in the area that can weaken it.
"Walang significant na matataas na bundok sa Samar. Parang noong Yolanda,
walang kabundukan [kung saan siya tumama], kaya hindi nasira ang structure," he
added.
He also explained that Ruby is not expected to change track as it nears land.
"Napaka-slim na po ng chances [na magre-curve], at talaga pong halos malapit na
po sa kalupaan ang sentro nito."
Metro: List of flights canceled on Dec. 5 due to bad weather
Source: GMA News
Date: December 5, 2014
Page 2 of 21
At least four more domestic flights were canceled early Friday due to bad weather,
the Department of Transportation and Communications said.
In a post on its Twitter account, the DOTC said the flights belonged to air carrier
Cebu Pacific.
The flights, which ply routes between Manila and Butuan, include:
5J-786
5J-788
5J-791
5J-792
On Thursday, Cebu Pacific issued a list of flights on Dec. 5 that have been canceled
due to Typhoon Ruby.
These were:
5J
5J
5J
5J
5J
5J
5J
5J
5J
785 / 786
787 / 788
791 / 792
219 / 220
223 / 224
873 / 874
875 / 876
877 / 878
3891 / 3892
Manila – Butuan – Manila
Manila – Butuan – Manila
Manila – Butuan – Manila
Cebu – Butuan – Cebu
Cebu – Butuan – Cebu
Cebu – Surigao – Cebu
Cebu – Surigao – Cebu
Cebu – Siargao – Cebu
Cebu – Tandag – Cebu
At least 34 areas have been placed under storm signals as Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit)
continued to move toward Eastern Visayas, state weather agency PAGASA said.
Metro: Walang pasok - Dec. 4 and 5
Source: GMA News
Date: December 5, 2014
Classes have been suspended in parts of the Visayas and Luzon in anticipation of
bad weather conditions from Typhoon Ruby (international name Hagupit).
On Thursday afternoon, the following were added to the class suspensions.
Laguna: Calamba City, preschool to high school suspended Dec. 5
Laguna: Sta. Rosa, suspended all levels, Dec. 5
As of early Thursday, the Department of Education said classes were suspended in:
Page 3 of 21
Samar: Catbalogan, all levels, Dec. 4 and 5
Tacloban City, all levels, Dec. 4 and 5
Visayas State University: Classes from December 4 to 5
As of 8:31 a.m., more class suspensions were announced. These include:
Leyte: classes in all levels suspended Dec. 4
Southern Leyte: classes in all levels suspended starting noon of Dec. 4 to Dec. 5
Later in the day, officials in Northern Samar and Cebu also suspended classes in
their areas.
Northern Samar: No classes in all levels from noon of Thursday (Dec. 4) to Dec. 5
Cebu: Governor Hilario Davide III declared the suspension of classes in all levels in
Cebu on Dec. 5.
Romblon: Classes up to high school suspended from Thursday afternoon to Friday,
Dec. 5
Ormoc City: classes in all levels from 1 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, via radio dzBB's
Glen Juego
Negros Oriental: all levels, suspended Dec. 5
University of the Philippines Cebu: work and classes at all levels canceled Dec. 5
Eastern Samar: preschool to high school on Dec. 5
As of 6:14 p.m., the following places have announced suspensions:
Luzon:
Batangas: all levels, Dec. 5
Albay: all levels, Dec. 5
Catanduanes: all levels, Dec. 5
Naga City: preschool to high school
Iriga City: preschool to high school
Masbate City: preschool to high school
Camarines Sur: all levels suspended starting Dec. 5
Coron, Palawan: preschool to high school suspended from Dec. 5 to 8
Visayas:
Estancia, Iloilo: all levels
Balasan, Iloilo: all levels
Carles, Iloilo: all levels
Passi, Iloilo: preschool to high school
Batan, Aklan: preschool to high school
Buruanga, Aklan: preschool to high school
Bais City, Negros Oriental: all levels
Siquijor: all levels
Dumaguete City: all levels
Guihulngan City: all levels
Danao City: all levels
Maasin City: all levels
Page 4 of 21
Borongan City: preschool to high school
Mindanao:
Cabadbaran City: preschool to high school
Bayugan City: preschool to high school
Malaybalay City: preschool to high school
Ozamiz City: preschool tp high school
Siargao: preschool to high school
Butuan City: all levels
Agusan del Norte: preschool to high school
Agusan del Sur: preschool to high school
Surigao del Norte: preschool to high school
Surigao del Sur: Barobo town, preschool, Dec. 5
Surigao del Sur: Tandag City, all levels, Dec. 5
Surigao del Sur: Bislig City, all levels, all levels, Dec. 5
Dinagat Islands: preschool to high school
Earlier, schools and LGUs that announced class suspensions due to Ruby included:
Biliran: Culaba town Mayor Lorenzo Reveldez declared class suspension at all levels
on Friday, Dec. 5
Biliran: NSU vice president for administration Nenita Sereno said classes in all levels
of the university will be suspended Dec. 4 and 5
Biliran: Almeria town mayor Dominador Agahan declared classes suspended at all
levels on Dec. 5, Friday
Biliran: Naval town mayor Susan Parilla declared no classes at levels on Dec. 4 and
5
Biliran: Biliran town Mayor Grace Casil suspended classes in all levels on Dec. 4 and
5
Biliran: Cabucgayan Mayor Gemma Adobo declared a suspension of classes at all
levels on Dec. 4 and 5.
classes at University of the Philippines Visayas (Tacloban) suspended Dec. 4 until 9,
while regular classes will resume Dec. 11.
Metro: Tips, reminders on how to survive typhoons before, during, after
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Date: December 5, 2014
Here are very practical tips and timely reminders to prepare for a storm from Plan
International, Philippine Red Cross and the Official Gazette:
Before
Be updated with the latest weather reports.
Page 5 of 21
As an incoming weather disturbance is approaching the country, it is important to
always keep yourself updated with the latest weather reports. Staying informed
with the latest weather bulletins and following government announcements and
warnings are the best starting points to prepare yourself and your families for the
storm.
Make communication plans.
Make a family communication plans so that you can establish the whereabouts of all
family members (and keep mobile phones charged!). Stay in contact but have a
plan in case cell phone coverage disappears during the storm; like a predestined
meet-up place where you can find each other once it is safe to go out again.
It is important to ready a list of emergency hotlines to call too.
NDRRMC: (02) 911-1406, 912-2665, 912-5668, 911-1873
PNP: 117 or TXT PNP to 2920, 0917-847-5757
BFP: 117, (02) 729-5166, 410-6319
DOTC: 7890, (02) 726-6255
MMDA: 136, 882-0860, 882-3983, (02) 882-4154 to 74 loc. 337
Pagasa: (02) 927,-9308, 434-2696
DSWD: (632) 931-8101 to 07 loc. 426, (02) 951-7119
Red Cross: 143, (02) 527-0000, (02) 527-8385 to 95
Phivolcs: (02) 426-1468 to 79 loc. 124/125, 0905-3134077
In the Visayas, the emergency hotline numbers are as follows:
Cebu City’s Command Control Center: 166, (032) 262-1424, 0923-524-8222,
0932-537-7770, 0947-178-0000, 0947- 178-9999
Tacloban RDRRMC: 0915-762-2368, 0917-855-3868, 0915-184-0918
Tacloban CDRRMC: 0917-322-9585, 0917-315-8356
Samar PDRRMC: (055) 251-3413, 0927-337-2702
Calbayog CDRRMC: (055) 209-3993, 0917-7222689
Western Visayas RDRRMC: (033) 509-7919, 337-6671
Page 6 of 21
Prepare supplies and disaster gear.
Have emergency supplies ready and have them ready to carry out in a small
backpack so you can have your hands free. These should include some
nonperishable food, water or water purification tablets or drops, first aid kit,
flashlights and extra batteries. If safe drinking water is not available, boil water for
at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with cover.
Don’t forget some basic toiletries and some disinfectant to keep yourself clean.
Have sturdy shoes ready to use when you have to evacuate. Don’t forget to seal
important family documents in plastic and carry them with you if you have to
evacuate.
Make sure you have a small battery operated radio to be updated with the news
because it is highly possible that there will be a power outage during and after the
storm. Bring it with you if you have to evacuate.
Protect property.
Secure your property before a storm hits by trimming trees, securing roofs and
covering windows.
Examine your house and repair its unstable parts. Harvest crops that can be yielded
already. Secure domesticated animals in a safe place.
Obey evacuation orders.
Follow instructions from government officials on preemptive evacuation at all times.
Move away from low-lying areas and stay away from the coasts and riverbanks.
Evacuate calmly and as soon as possible. Do not wait for your situation to worsen
before evacuating. Close the windows and turn off the main power switch of your
house. Put important appliances and belongings in a high ground.
When evacuating, avoid the way leading to the river. For fisher folks, place boats in
a safe area.
During
Secure yourselves.
Stay in a safe place. It is important to be aware which areas are prone to floods,
landslides etc. and which buildings are safe enough to withstand a typhoon. Do not
go outside during the storm.
In case of a threat of a storm surge, evacuate in a high place early. If possible, find
a place that is higher than 500 meters from the bay if your community is in the
direct track of the storm.
After
Continue to be alert.
Page 7 of 21
Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being electrocuted and contracting
diseases. If your house is destroyed, make sure that it is stable before you enter.
Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water. Report damaged electrical
cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities.
Avoid going to disaster-hit areas so as not to get in the way of rescue and
emergency operations.
Metro: PNP-HPG calls for more safety measures to prevent crashes
December 3, 2014Written by Alfred P. DalizonPublished in Nation0 comments
Source: Journal
Date: December 5, 2014
Calls mounted anew for the strict implementation of the so-called ‘Four Es’ or
Elements of Traffic Management in the country in the wake of unabated deadly road
accidents mostly blamed on driver’s error and mechanical failure.
Philippine National Police officials also called for the strict enforcement of the ‘drunk
driving law’ amid findings that drunk driving is a major cause of tragic road
accidents in the country, the latest of which claimed the lives of three innocent
nurses along the C5 Ortigas flyover in Pasig City, all killed by a wayward Mitsubishi
Montero being driven by Luis Asistio III, a grandson of former Caloocan City
Representative Luis “Baby” Asistio.
Last May, Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act was
passed allowing a deputized law enforcer to apprehend a motorist on suspicion of
DUI, indications of which include swerving, over-speeding, lane straddling, weaving,
sudden stops, poor coordination or the evident smell of alcohol on a person’s
breath.
Under RA 10586, if the violation did not result in physical injuries or homicide, the
penalty of three months imprisonment and a fine ranging from P20,000 to P80,000
shall be imposed. If the violation resulted in physical injuries, the penalty provided
in Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code or the penalty in the next succeeding
subparagraph, whichever is higher, and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P200,000
shall be imposed.
If the violation resulted in homicide -- which is actually multiple homicides in the
case of Asistio -- the penalty provided in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code
(reclusion temporal or as much as 20 years in prison) and a fine ranging from
P300,000 to P500,000 shall be imposed.
Records showed that from January to October this year, the PNP Highway Patrol
Group headed by Chief Superintendent Arrazad P. Subong recorded 423 cases of
drunk-driving compared to the 519 cases recorded in 2013 and 375 in 2012.
Page 8 of 21
According to PNP-HPG spokesperson, Superintendent Elizabeth Velasquez, their
records show that the Top 10 causes of road accidents in the country are driver’s
error, driving under the influence of liquor/drugs, vehicle mechanical defect, overspeeding, using cell phone while driving, road repair, hit-and-run, illegal overtaking,
illegal turning and overloading.
Velasquez said that from January to October this year, they have recorded a total of
12,875 traffic accidents, 7,120 of them having taken place at daytime and the rest
at nighttime.
She said those accidents claimed the lives of 1,133 persons, injured 8,164 and
caused damages to 20,745 properties including motor vehicles.
Velasquez said the following have turned out to be the causes of the deadly
accidents during the 10-month period: bad overtaking, 2,316; bad turning, 2,951;
overspeeding, 2,457; self-accident, 845; drunk driving, 423; using cellular phone
while driving, 113; hit-and-run, 838; and overloading, 146.
Other accidents were caused by the following: mechanical defect, 820; road
condition, 820; and others like due to animal crossing and calamity-related, 626.
Velasquez said that there were 16,721 motor vehicles involved in the accidents
recorded during the period broken down as follows: bus, 967; trucks, 2,348;
automobiles, 6,442; jeeps, 832; tricycles, 1,075; motorcycles, 4,759; and others,
298.
The Aquino government earlier expressed much concern over frequent deadly road
accidents happening in the country prompting the PNP leadership to propose more
adjustments in the strict implementation by all concerned government agencies of
the ‘Four Es’ to prevent the tragic death of innocent people mostly in the streets.
During his stint as PNP-HPG director, now PNP deputy chief for operations, Deputy
Director General Leonardo A. Espina recommended the adoption of the National
Road Safety Action Plan 2005-2010 conceptualized to help all concerned agencies
to reduce road-related accidents and save people’s lives, lessen casualties and
injuries and protect people’s properties.
The PNP-HPG then proposed several measures aimed at further improving the
country’s road safety programs, first and foremost of which is by studying high-risk
roads and how deadly accidents can be prevented from occurring regularly in these
areas.
Among the measures include the installation of multiple Roadside Guard Railings
(Steel Buffers) at the sharp curve; installation of 24-hour street lights/lamps to
illuminate the road specially during foggy weather condition; installation of concave
mirrors in sharp curb areas/blind spot corners; installation of additional warning
signages to include downhill speed limit signs and road markings (rumble strips)
Page 9 of 21
particularly in accident-prone areas; removal of protruding tree branches or
unnecessary materials/items that cover traffic directional and warning signs;
allocation of lay bay areas/shoulders and speed stopping lane for emergency
stopover in selected hazard-free areas of the road; regular inspection of landslideprone areas and road cuts along the highways; installation of emergency telephone
booths; regular inspection and inventory of traffic signs and devices.
Another is the regular conduct of inspection of bus terminals, operators and their
drivers to find out the vehicle’s roadworthiness and driver’s efficiency at least once
a month. The HPG also has recommended phasing out dilapidated, converted and
non-roadworthy public utility vehicles; permanent cancellation of license of drivers
who blatantly violate traffic rules and regulations including drunk driving and using
drugs that endanger the lives of passengers; and monthly physical, medical and
neuro-psychiatric check-up of all PUV drivers.
There is also the need for traffic education which includes a massive information
drive on road safety awareness; strict conduct of seminars on road safety and
defensive driving to erring PUV drivers and those applying for a professional driver’s
license; and the establishment of a National Driving Academy for PUV drivers.
Last but not the least is traffic legislation which includes the adoption of a policy
designating compulsory alternate driver on buses plying long routes; stringent
policy on the issuance of franchise to bus operators allowing only
qualified/roadworthy PUVs on the highways; a ban on the importation of 2nd-hand
buses which were phased out by the country of origin; the total ban of the so-called
‘Kabit System; and the pursuit of a legislation that will make some revision on
Republic Act 436 particularly one that will put emphasis on the penalties on traffic
violations that endanger the lives of passengers.
Metro: MMDA releases rules on videos, photos by enforcers
By Mike Frialde
Source: The Philippine Star
Date: December 5, 2014
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) released Wednesday a set
of rules governing the use of video cameras or camera phones by its enforcers.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino earlier defended traffic enforcer Jorbe Adriatico’s
use of a mobile phone camera to record on video the apprehension of businessman
Joseph Ingco, who was driving a Maserati. The recording reportedly irked Ingco and
led to him roughing up Adriatico.
Page 10 of 21
Tolentino said MMDA traffic enforcers may use their phone cameras to record
incidents of apprehensions especially in areas where there are no closed-circuit
television cameras.
In the rules released by the agency’s Traffic Discipline Office, enforcers are allowed
to use mobile phone cameras if:
• The footage taken is related to a violation of traffic rules.
• The footage has to be in relation to an ongoing traffic violation.
• The use of the recording device should not be intrusive. Enforcers are not to train
their recording devices on the face of the motorist being apprehended.
• The video footage should only be used for evidence during investigation.
• The apprehended motorist can demand a copy of the video footage taken by the
enforcer.
• Any attack on a traffic enforcer, be it physical or verbal may be recorded on video.
• Motorists can also record on video the apprehending traffic enforcer.
• Traffic enforcers can also record on video any incidents not related to traffic
management but concerns public safety such as street crimes, fires and flooding.
Region: Project NOAH identifies 51 areas vulnerable to storm surges
By: Tricia Aquino
Source: InterAksyon.com
Date: December 5, 2014
Page 11 of 21
Image from DOST's Project NOAH
Fifty-one areas could be threatened by storm surges due to super typhoon Hagupit
(local name: Ruby), which is expected to make landfall in Samar Saturday morning.
The Department of Science and Technology's Project NOAH on Thursday identified
the following municipalities that can be vulnerable to storm surges. The highest
surges could occur in areas in Leyte and Biliran that were battered by super
typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.
The list below is a refined version of PAGASA’s general advisory for storm surges.
Please take note that PAGASA’s general warning is that all areas under signal 3 may
experience 3-4 meter storm surges. (Click on the highlighted municipality names to
view the corresponding storm surge maps.)
MUNICIPALITY, PROVINCE
SURGE HEIGHT
(meters)
STORM SURGE ADVISORY
(SSA)
Capoocan, Leyte
3.26 - 4.26
4
Leyte, Leyte
3.26 - 4.26
4
Carigara, Leyte
3.10 - 4.10
3
Barugo, Leyte
3.06 - 4.06
3
Cabucgayan, Biliran
3.01 - 4.01
3
San Miguel, Leyte
3.26 - 4.26
3
Caibiran, Biliran
2.85 - 3.85
3
Culaba, Biliran
2.85 - 3.85
3
Batbangon, Leyte
2.77 - 3.77
3
Capoocan, Leyte
3.26 - 4.26
3
Page 12 of 21
Daram, Samar
2.70 - 3.70
3
Sta. Rita, Samar
2.69 - 3.69
3
Talalora, Samar
2.69 - 3.69
3
Zumarraga, Samar
2.45 - 3.45
3
Villareal, Samar
2.44 - 3.44
3
Kawayan, Biliran
2.37 - 3.37
3
Calubian, Leyte
2.11 - 3.11
3
Amlan, Negros Oriental
2.10 - 3.10
3
Samboan, Cebu
2.10 - 3.10
3
San Jose, Negros Oriental
2.10 - 3.10
3
Santander, Cebu
2.09 - 3.09
2
Oslob, Cebu
2.08 - 3.08
2
Ginatilan, Cebu
2.07 - 3.07
2
Tanjay, Negros Oriental
2.07 - 3.07
2
Malabuyoc, Cebu
2.05 - 3.05
2
Bais, Negros Oriental
2.02 - 3.02
2
Naval, Biliran
2.02 - 3.02
2
Bindoy, Negros Oriental
2.01 - 3.01
2
Manjuyod, Negros Oriental
2.01 - 3.01
2
Gen. Macarthur, Eastern Samar
1.93 - 2.93
2
Carles, Iloilo
1.92 - 2.92
2
Estancia, Iloilo
1.92 - 2.92
2
Quinapondan, Eastern Samar
1.92 - 2.92
2
Giporlos, Eastern Samar
1.87 - 2.87
2
Salcedo, Eastern Samar
1.87 - 2.87
2
Biliran, Biliran
1.86 - 2.86
2
Pinabacdao, Samar
1.78 - 2.78
2
Calape, Bohol
1.72 - 2.72
2
Tubigon, Bohol
1.72 - 2.72
2
Daanbantayan, Cebu
1.70 - 2.70
2
Basilisa, Dinagat Islands
1.69 - 2.69
2
Sibulan, Negros Oriental
1.60 - 2.60
2
San Isidro, Leyte
1.59 - 2.59
2
Pilar, Sorsogon
1.57 - 2.57
2
Page 13 of 21
President Roxas, Capiz
1.57 - 2.57
2
Mobo, Masbate
1.56 - 2.56
2
Santo Nino, Samar
1.56 - 2.56
2
Uson, Masbate
1.56 - 2.56
2
Tabuelan, Cebu
1.51 - 2.51
2
Tuburan, Cebu
1.51 - 2.51
2
Almeria, Biliran
1.50 - 2.50
2
Maripipi, Biliran
1.50 - 2.50
2
Region: Gov’t hospitals in 5 regions put on alert
Tina G. Santos
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Date: December 5, 2014
The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday ordered government hospitals in five
regions to keep at least half of their staff on duty during the passage of Typhoon
“Ruby” (international name: Hagupit).
The “code blue” alert went out to DOH-retained hospitals in Mimaropa (Mindoro,
Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan provinces), Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas
and Eastern Visayas.
A code blue alert means 50 percent of all personnel should report for duty in the
hospital to render medical and other services during an emergency.
The move was part of the comprehensive disaster preparedness measures to deal
with and to lessen the anticipated impact of Ruby on local communities, the DOH
said.
“Drugs, medicines and other supplies worth P243 million have also been
prepositioned in these regions,” the DOH said.
24-hour alert
The DOH said the measures were being undertaken to help ensure that the zerocasualty target is met.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has also gone on red alert in anticipation of Ruby.
Page 14 of 21
PRC chair Richard Gordon ordered Red Cross chapters and Red Cross 143
volunteers in the path of Ruby to be alert 24 hours.
Gordon ordered PRC rescue equipment, rubber boats, generator sets, fuel and
vehicles to be on standby for possible operation or deployment.
He urged residents in the affected areas to prepare to be evacuated in order to
prevent injury or death and not to endanger the lives of rescuers.
According to PRC secretary general Gwendolyn Pang, additional emergency supplies
are being provided to PRC chapters.
She said PRC staff and volunteers were also starting to pack relief stocks such as
food, beddings and hygiene kits for distribution in communities that may be
affected by the typhoon.
“The PRC is coordinating for the prepositioning of food items (rice, canned goods,
sugar, salt, cooking oil) for 15,000 families and will be handed over to the PRC
chapters that would need urgent support for response operation. Nonfood items
such as laundry soap, bath soap, jerry cans, kitchen sets and tarpaulins will also be
sent,” Pang said.
Region: Over 1,000 stranded in ports — coast guard
Source: GMA News
Date: December 5, 2014
More than 1,000 people have been stranded and 35 trips canceled due to bad
weather conditions from Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) as of Thursday evening, the
Philippine Coast Guard said.
As of 8 p.m., the Coast Guard said those stranded included 1,045 passengers, 77
vessels, 146 rolling cargos, 14 motor bancas, and 27 vessels taking shelter.
The Coast Guard said it was strictly implementing guidelines on the movement of
vessels during heavy weather, including barring trips in areas under storm signals.
A breakdown of those stranded includes:
Northern Mindanao-Cagayan de Oro: 169 passengers, two vessels, two canceled trips
Ozamiz: 206 passengers, two vessels, 16 vessels (taking shelter), two canceled
trips
Dapitan: 15 passengers, one vessel, 10 rolling cargos, eight vessels (taking
shelter), 2 canceled trips
Page 15 of 21
Butuan: two vessels (taking shelter)
Central Visayas-Cebu: 24 passengers, 58 vessels, five motor bancas, four canceled trips
Tagbilaran: 65 passengers, four vessels, eight motor bancas, eight canceled trips
Bicol-Sorsogon: 402 passengers, 91 rolling cargos, four canceled trips
Catanduanes: one vessel (taking shelter), three canceled trips
Masbate: 110 passengers, 10 vessels, 20 rolling cargos, one motor banca, nine
canceled trips
Eastern Visayas-Maasin: 54 passengers, 24 vessels, one canceled trip
Tacloban: one rolling cargo
Weather: Pagasa’s color-coded warnings
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Date: December 5, 2014
Yellow
Rainfall of 7.5 mm to 15 mm per hour (2 gallons per square meter/hour)
Expected to continue for the next two hours
Flooding possible in low-lying areas and areas near rivers
Those under yellow rainfall advisory are advised to monitor the weather condition
Orange
Rainfall of 15 mm to 30 mm in an hour (4 to 8 gallons per square meter/hour)
Expected to continue for next two hours
Indicates continuous rainfall in the past three hours exceeding 45 mm to 65 mm
Flooding a definite threat in communities under the orange alert.
Stay alert for possible evacuation
Red
Rainfall of more than 30 mm within an hour (8 gallons per square meter/hour)
Expected to continue in the next two hours
Indicates continuous rainfall in the past three hours of more than 65 mm
Serious flooding expected in low-lying areas. Public must take precautionary
measures.
Issued when downpours constitute an emergency. When Pagasa raises a red
warning, communities should be prepared to respond.
It means serious flooding is seen and that residents should be ready to evacuate to
safety.
Page 16 of 21
Weather: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Date: December 5, 2014
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale categorizes storms based on sustained wind
speed, with Category 5 being the strongest. The scale estimates potential property
damage. Major hurricanes—those belonging to Category 3 and higher—can cause
“devastating damage” to property, power outages and uproot trees.
Category
Wind Speed in kph
Equivalent Pagasa Storm Signal
1
119-153
Signal #3 (100-185 kph)
2
154-177
Signal #3 (100-185 kph)
3
178-208
Signal #3 (100-185 kph) Signal #4 (more
than 185 kph)
4
209-251
Signal #4 (more than 185 kph)
5
252 and higher
Signal #4 (more than 185 kph)
Weather: Typhoon Ruby slows down — why that might not be good news
for us
Source: GMA News
Date: December 5, 2014
Early Thursday evening, GMA News resident meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani"
Cruz reported that Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) had slowed its advance toward the
Philippines from around 30 kph earlier in the morning down to 15 kph by nightfall.
Mang Tani explained that this is due to the lack of external forces — the typhoon's
"steering flow" — moving Ruby forward.
However, the delay in its approach may not be good news.
While the slowdown may give us a bit more time to prepare for Ruby's arrival, it
also gives the typhoon that much more time to develop and gain in strength.
In most cases, the longer a typhoon stays over the ocean, the greater the potential
for it to draw energy from the warm, moist air around it. This could result in a
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stronger typhoon with stronger winds, making it more powerful by the time it
makes landfall.
A typhoon that's moving half its original speed will also mean that the areas along
its path will be under its influence twice as long.
This may also mean that external steering forces are affecting the typhoon. Slowing
down, or even stalling, may signify a change in the typhoon's direction, which in
turn will make forecasting its track a bit more difficult.
Ruby is expected to further slow down in the days to come. And this is why we
need to track its every movement and be a step ahead in planning for whatever it
brings.
Weather: How to check for Storm Surge Advisories in your area
Source: GMA News
Date: December 5, 2014
Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) is expected to bring storm surges in certain critical areas.
These storm surges could go up to as high as four meters in Northern Leyte and
Eastern Samar, according to the storm surge simulation of the Project Nationwide
Operational Assessment Hazards (NOAH).
Project NOAH executive director Mahar Lagmay explained during the National
Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) briefing on Thursday that
there are four categories of storm surge advisories.
-
SSA
SSA
SSA
SSA
1:
2:
3:
4:
2
3
4
5
meters
meters
meters
meters
storm
storm
storm
storm
surge
surge
surge
surge
height
height
height
height
Lagmay identified the areas where storm surges will be greatest. Storm surges as
high as four meters—the height of a one-storey house—may be expected in
Carigara and Babatngon in Northern Leyte; Santa Rita and Basey in Eastern Samar;
and Tacloban City.
"Ang lebel ng tubig dagat ay tataas nang apat na metro o katumbas ng isang
palapag ng bahay. Noong Yolanda, merong seven meters pero ang highest expected
ngayon ay four meters. Yolanda had higher storm surge levels than Ruby," Lagmay
said.
These advisories can be found in Project NOAH's website, which is updated every
six hours.
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The storm surge advisory and hazard map in Carigara, Leyte. The storm surge in
the area can go as high as four meters, according to Project NOAH's Mahar Lagmay.
Lagmay explained that the site's storm surge hazard map includes a picture of "how
far in land the storm surges will go."
To know the SSA in your area, got to http://beta.noah.dost.gov.ph/ and click on the
"Storm Surge" button of the site's left-side panel. Then, proceed to the "Storm
Surge Advisory" link, which will redirect you to a new set of buttons to identify your
location.
To get the storm surge hazard map, identify your region, province, and
municipality. Then, choose the expected SSA in your area to see the storm surge's
extent.
The website also shows the storm surge hazard map when Typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan) battered Eastern Visayas last year. The Project NOAH executive director
noted during the briefing that the storm surges generated during Yolanda were as
high as seven meters.
Weather: Typhoon Ruby: Quick Links
Source: GMA News
Date: December 5, 2014
Nine areas were placed under Storm Signal No. 1 before noon Thursday as Ruby
intensified further and may make landfall over Samar Saturday morning. GMA News
(Updated 8:12 a.m., Dec. 5) GMA News Online compiled these links for easy access
to information as the nation deals with Typhoon Ruby and its aftermath:
WEATHER UPDATES
- PAGASA: 34 areas under storm signals as Typhoon Ruby gains more strength
- Typhoon Ruby to bear down on 19 areas in Visayas, Luzon
CANCELLATIONS
- Walang Pasok
- Flight cancellations
- Cebu suspends work in government offices
- Camarines Sur suspends classes, work in government offices
RESOURCES
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- Google Crisis Map and Public Alerts
- Storm Surge Advisories
- List of areas with Storm Surge Advisories
- Why forecasts for Ruby differ (In Filipino)
- Why Metro Manila should still prepare for Typhoon Ruby's effects
- Typhoon Ruby slows down — why that might not be good news for us
Weather
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Typhoon “ruby” has gained more strength and slightly slowed down as it continues
to move west northwest towards eastern visayas.
Location of eye/center At 4:00 AM today, the eye of Typhoon “RUBY” was located
based on all available data at 500 km East of Borongan, Eastern Samar (11.5°N,
130.0°E).
Strength Maximum sustained winds of 215 kph near the center and gustiness of up
to 250 kph
Forecast Movement: Forecast to move West Northwest at 13 kph.
Forecast
• 24 hour
• 48 hour
• 72 hour
Positions
(tomorrow morning): 230 km East of Borongan, Eastern Samar
(Sunday morning): 85 km Southeast of Catarman, Northern Samar
(Monday morning): in the vicinity of Romblon, Romblon.
PSWS
#2 Sorsogon, Ticao Island and Masbate.
Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern
Cebu, Cebu City, Bantayan Island and Camotes Island
Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island and Siargao
Island.
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#1 Catanduanes, Albay,Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Burias Island and
Romblon
Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Rest of Cebu, Siquijor and Bohol.
Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur and Camiguin Island
• Twigs and branches of trees maybe broken
• Some banana plants may tilt or land flat on the ground
• Rice in flowering stage may suffer significant damage
• Some nipa and cogon houses maybe partially unroofed
• Sea travel of small sea crafts and fishing boats is risky
These areas will have occasional rains with occasional gusty winds.
• Estimated rainfall amount is from 7.5 – 20 mm per hour (heavy – intense) within
the 700 km diameter of the typhoon.
• “RUBY” and the Northeast Monsoon will bring rough to very rough sea conditions
over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboard of Central and Southern
Luzon, over the seaboards of Visayas and over the northern and eastern seaboards
of Mindanao. Fisherfolks and those using small seacraft are advised not to venture
out over the said seaboards.
• Moreover, those living near coastal areas are alerted against possible storm
surges.