Palawan, Basilan on high alert as China’s Long March 8A rocket launches

The provinces of Palawan and Basilan have been placed on high alert today as China prepares to launch the Long March 8A rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan.

Originally scheduled for 25 January, the launch was postponed and is now set to take place within a launch window between 9:22 AM and 10:16 AM on Tuesday, 11 February. 

The Office of Civil Defense has issued an advisory identifying three areas where debris from the rocket is expected to fall:

Drop Zone 1 – Approximately 85 nautical miles from Rozul Reef.

Drop Zone 2 – Approximately 40 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Drop Zone 3 – Approximately 33 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has warned the public to avoid approaching or recovering any rocket debris, as it may contain harmful substances. 

Residents and mariners are urged to promptly report any suspected debris to local authorities.