By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, Aug. 21 (PNA) – Malacanang assured on Friday that all concerned agencies are working hard to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents affected by typhoon “Ineng.”
”The directive of President Benigno Aquino is being carried out now on the affected areas by Ineng,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press statement.
He said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been coordinating with the appropriate agencies like the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Public Works and Highways, Interior and Local Government and local government units to ensure the safety of affected residents.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), typhoon “Ineng” has maintained its strength as it continues to move slowly over the Balintang Channel as of Friday afternoon.
PAGASA said that as of 5 p.m., the eye of the typhoon was located based on Basco doppler radar and all available data at 110 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan (19.3°N, 122.5°E), packed with maximum sustained winds of 170 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph. It is forecast to move west-northwest at 7 kph.
Since typhoon “Ineng” maintained its speed and movement, it was forecast to be at 55 km northwest of Basco, Batanes by Saturday afternoon.
By Sunday afternoon, she is expected to be at 320 km north-northeast of Basco, Batanes and by Monday afternoon will be outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) or at 725 km northeast of Basco, Batanes. (PNA)