Super Typhoon Pepito nears PH, Catanduanes braces for landfall

Super Typhoon Pepito, with wind gusts up to 230 kph, is nearing the Philippines and is expected to make landfall in Catanduanes province.

The provincial government of Catanduanes ordered a forced evacuation of families and raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 over the island province.

As of Saturday morning, 43,623 families or 134,653 individuals have been evacuated nationwide in anticipation of the typhoon.

Officials are urging residents to prioritize safety and participate in preemptive evacuations to avoid endangering themselves and rescuers.

Emergency response assets, including family food packs and hygiene kits, have been prepared.

Residents in storm surge and landslide-prone areas were warned of the dangers, with storm surges projected to reach two to three meters in low-lying or exposed coastal localities.

Massive preparations have been undertaken in Regions 1, 2, Cordillera Administrative Region, 3, 8, and Calabarzon with the aim of achieving zero casualties.