Storm 'Ramil' enters RP area of responsibility – Pagasa

Tropical Storm "Ramil" (international name: Lupit) has entered the Philippine area of responsibility, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services said Friday evening. In an interview with GMA News, Pagasa weather bureau chief Nathaniel Cruz said "Ramil" was located at 1,130 kilometers east of Catanduanes and is moving west northwest at 32 kilometers per hour (kph) as of 6 p.m. "Ramil" has maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Cruz said the storm’s direction is towards central and northern Luzon if it proceeds on its present course. He said however that based on its satellite direction, "Ramil" might only enter the territory and veer away immediately. Cruz said the country will likely feel the impact of "Ramil" on Tuesday but an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will bring scattered rain showers especially in Luzon. The effects of “Ramil" will not be felt in any part of the country because of its distance, Cruz said, adding that it will take some more days before its effects are felt especially here in Luzon if it keeps along its present course. Meanwhile, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the government has already prepositioned necessary equipment and goods in areas that will be affected by the storm. He also assured that dam operators have learned from previous experience and released water while the storm was still far away. – Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV