Tropical cyclone Kristine expected to hit Cagayan this week

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged the public to take early precautions as a new weather disturbance is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility within 24 hours.

Teodoro emphasized the need for proactive planning and staying informed with updates from relevant agencies, stating that his department is collaborating closely with all concerned agencies to establish a comprehensive action plan.

Predictive analyses by the Department of Social Welfare and Development indicate that over one million individuals could be affected by the impending tropical cyclone, which may develop into a tropical depression off Virac, Catanduanes.

Once it enters the country, the system will be named Kristine, the 11th tropical cyclone this year, expected to make landfall on Cagayan's eastern coast by Thursday with potential typhoon intensity.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau reported that 5,688 villages are at risk of landslides and flooding in regions projected to be impacted by Kristine, while rainbands may bring moderate to heavy rainfall starting Tuesday.