Typhoon Quinta causes power outages, floods across Luzon

Typhoon Quinta, locally named Molave, made five landfalls across the Bicol region and Mimaropa before exiting Luzon.

As of Monday afternoon, the typhoon was located 310 km west of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is raised over Batangas, Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Island), Oriental Mindoro, Calamian Islands, and the northern portion of Antique (Caluya).

Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are expected over Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, northern Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, Calabarzon, and Aurora.

The typhoon's strong winds and heavy rains shut down power lines and inundated parts of Luzon, prompting the suspension of classes and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.

A total of 21 national road sections were impassable as of Monday 12 noon due to floods, landslides, collapsed bridge, and fallen trees and electrical posts.

The Department of Public Works and Highways has deployed disaster-response teams to conduct immediate clearing operations.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also activated its disaster response teams to assist local emergency forces.

PAGASA forecasts Quinta to re-intensify and may reach its peak intensity within 24 hours, and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility Tuesday morning.

Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for possible flash floods or landslides due to the expected rains and possible very light to light damage to structures and vegetation from moderate winds.