Typhoon Rolly to bring violent winds, heavy damage to PH

Typhoon Rolly, internationally known as Goni, is expected to bring violent winds and widespread damage as it nears the Philippine landmass.

NDRRMC Administrator Usec. Ricardo Jalad anticipates heavy to very heavy damage, potentially making it the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines since Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Local government units have been conducting pre-emptive relocations and preparing evacuation centers, while adhering to Department of Health protocols for COVID-19.

PAGASA forecasts the eye of Rolly to pass close to Catanduanes and mainland Camarines Provinces on Sunday morning before moving over Polillo Islands and mainland Quezon in the afternoon.

The typhoon is expected to make landfall over Aurora or Quezon province on Sunday night or Monday morning, with maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 265 kph.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has also expressed readiness to respond, with rescue vehicles, logistic hubs, and emergency response units prepared, and first aid volunteers and relief items prepositioned.

Malacañang is monitoring the typhoon and has asked the public to stay safe and vigilant, emphasizing that concerned government agencies are on standby 24/7.

The NDRRMC Operations Center is already on red alert status and is in close coordination with all regional disaster risk reduction and management councils and local government units (LGUs) that are in the track of the typhoon.