Based on the hourly updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tropical Depression ‘Helen’ has already intensified into a storm, now threatening Northern Luzon.
Storm Signal No.1 is already up in Isabela, Kalinga Apayao, Cagayan, Babuyan, Calayan Group of Islands, and Batanes Group of Islands.
‘Helen’ was estimated to be at 510 kilometers East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora (16.8°N 127.6°E) as of 1:00 p.m. Monday.
It is also expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Hanging Habagat), which will bring rains in Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, especially the Western Section.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Benito T. Ramos, the executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, has already directed all disaster units to “monitor the situation and undertake precautionary measures.”
