Tropical Depression Nando Enters Philippine Waters Amid Mirasol's Exit, PAGASA Issues Warnings

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Tropical Depression Mirasol departed from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) yesterday morning. Shortly after, a new tropical depression named "Nando" entered Philippine waters, raising concerns for potential severe weather.

Nando was recorded entering the PAR at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. By 4 p.m. the following day, it was situated approximately 1,260 kilometers east of Central Luzon, traveling northwest at 15 kilometers per hour. The system exhibited maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, with gusts reaching up to 70 kph.

According to PAGASA's 5 p.m. advisory, "The center of Nando may pass close to or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands." The agency also indicated that Nando is expected to intensify as it moves through the Philippine Sea, with forecasts predicting its development into a tropical storm and then a severe tropical storm later today, followed by typhoon strength on Saturday.

PAGASA further warned that "the possibility of Nando strengthening into a super typhoon while traversing extreme Northern Luzon cannot be ruled out." They also cautioned residents about the potential onset of heavy rains by Sunday or Monday.

Meanwhile, Mirasol exited the PAR around 6 a.m. yesterday. By mid-afternoon, it was located approximately 465 kilometers west-northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, sustaining winds of 65 kph with gusts up to 80 kph. The weather agency noted that Mirasol is now less likely to trigger significant heavy rainfall over northern Luzon provinces including Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. However, scattered showers and thunderstorms remain expected in the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zambales, and Bataan through today.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that around 17,200 families across 70 barangays in five regions have been affected by Mirasol. These regions include Ilocos (Region I), Cagayan Valley (Region II), Central Luzon (Region III), Bicol (Region V), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Food assistance has been distributed to those impacted.

Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather situation as residents brace for possible heavy rains and strong winds associated with Nando's approach.