“Ambo” weakens into LPA

May 17, 2020

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Sunday said “Ambo” has weakened into a low pressure area (LPA) while moving generally northeastward over the Bashi Channel.

In the latest bulletin, Pagasa said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #1 over Batanes is now lifted and until tonight, light to moderate with at times heavy rains will be experienced in the province.

“The center of LPA was estimated based on all available data at 125 km northwest of Basco, Batanes,” it said.

On its May 16 report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said damage to agriculture due to Tropical Storm Ambo is estimated at P79, 926, 565.30 with highest damage incurred in Masbate at P36, 942, 224.65.

A total of 70, 398 persons or 18, 780 families were pre-emptively evacuated in Calabarzon, Bicol Region and Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).

In a radio interview, NDRRM Undersecretary Mark Timbal said evacuees were brought in centers which are not being used as COVID-19 facilities and rooms were limited to two to three families only.

“Before as long as they can fit in a room is okay, now it’s not… What LGUs did is brought them in evacuation centers not being used as quarantine facilities,” Timbal said.

He said they are still consolidating reports about casualties due to the typhoon but according to local police, at least two persons from Quezon Province and Camarines Norte died. Ella Dionisio/DMS