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Why Typhoon Ruby could make multiple landfalls


As Ruby bears down on the Philippines, PAGASA is forecasting the typhoon to make six landfalls before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
 
According to GMA's resident meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani" Cruz, a typhoon makes a "landfall" when the eye reaches a body of land coming from a body of water.
 
Because the Philippines is an archipelago, Ruby would make landfalls on as many islands lying on its eye's path.
 
Last year, super typhoon Yolanda notably made landfalls in six areas — Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Tolosa, Leyte; Daang Bantayan, Cebu; Bantayan Island, Cebu; and Concepcion, Iloilo.
 
After making its initial landfall in Dolores, Eastern Samar, at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, Ruby is expected to make another landfall in Masbate on Sunday morning. It is also projected to make landfall in Sibuyan Island between 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Romblon between 5 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Tablas Island between 8 and 10 p.m. on Sunday, and Oriental Mindoro between 5 and 7 a.m. on Monday.
 
When a typhoon travels over land, it could lose strength depending on the size of the landmass, according to Mang Tani. But when it travels through sea, it could maintain or even gain strength.
 
Mang Tani notes, however, forecasting landing points is not as important as forecasting areas where the typhoon will pass through. — Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News
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