Super typhoon “Inday” (international name: Bavi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over 12 areas in Luzon, even as the cyclone remained far offshore.

As of 10 a.m., the eye of “Inday” was estimated at 1,270 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 240 kph.

Despite its distance, PAGASA said the typhoon’s outer rainbands are already affecting parts of the country.

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, the northern portions of Aurora and Abra, the northern and central portions of Catanduanes, the northeastern portion of Quirino, and the eastern portions of Ifugao and Mountain Province.

Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience winds of 39 to 61 kph. PAGASA said “Inday” is forecast to move closer to extreme Northern Luzon before gradually exiting the country.

“The typhoon is expected to be 875 kilometers east of Northern Luzon on Thursday, 515 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes on Friday, and 470 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat by Saturday near the boundary of the Philippine area of responsibility. By Sunday morning, it is expected to be completely outside the PAR, about 915 kilometers north-northwest of extreme Northern Luzon,” duty forecaster Chris Perez said.

NCRPO on alert

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) placed all district and city police offices on heightened alert, directing them to coordinate closely with local government units, disaster management offices, and other agencies to ensure a synchronized response.

Police units are conducting real-time assessments of personnel, rescue equipment, mobility assets and other resources, while increasing monitoring in flood-prone communities, evacuation centers, major roads and transport hubs.

Specialized response units and the NCRPO’s Reactionary Standby Support Force have been placed on maximum standby for possible search-and-rescue, evacuation, traffic management and humanitarian operations.

The NCRPO urged the public to remain vigilant, monitor official weather bulletins, prepare emergency supplies, and immediately seek assistance from authorities when necessary.

Meralco readies emergency crews

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) placed its emergency response crews on standby as Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon threaten to affect its distribution network.

“As a 24-hour service company, our crews are ready to respond immediately to any electricity service concern in areas that may be affected by the inclement weather,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco said it has coordinated with stakeholders and urged billboard owners to roll up large tarpaulin to prevent them collapsing during strong winds.

The company advised customers to switch off their main circuit breaker during flooding, unplug electric appliances, and have flood-damaged electrical systems inspected by a licensed electrician before restoring power.

Residents were likewise encouraged to fully charge mobile phones, laptops, radios and other communication devices in case of power interruptions.

Airports on standby

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has activated its weather contingency measures across airports nationwide.

CAAP said communication equipment, navigational facilities, control towers, and other critical airport infrastructure are being secured against possible strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Airport operations remain normal, but the agency said it continues to monitor the typhoon’s movement and advised passengers to regularly check airline advisories and weather updates for schedule changes.