Super typhoon Ofel weakens but still poses threat to Northern Luzon

Super Typhoon Ofel is expected to make landfall in Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday afternoon, November 14.

Authorities are urging people in Cagayan to evacuate, and preemptive and forced evacuations are underway.

As of noon on Thursday, a total of 1,563 families or 4,801 individuals have been evacuated.

However, Ofel has weakened into a typhoon on Thursday afternoon, but the Babuyan Islands, eastern portions of mainland Cagayan, and northeastern Isabela remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4.

Pre-emptive evacuations have been ordered for several regions in Luzon and Visayas starting Friday, November 15, with a window until Saturday.

These regions include Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.

These areas are also instructed to ensure the replenishment and pre-positioning of resources during this period.

The PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that police forces in Northern Luzon are monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities for disaster response.

The Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) are on alert, with the Ilocos RDRRMC-1 activating its red alert status and the Charlie Emergency Preparedness and Response Protocol.