Typhoon Pepito Strengthens, Approaches Super Typhoon Status; Ofel Weakens After Landfall

MANILA — Typhoon Pepito intensified on Friday, approaching super typhoon strength, while Typhoon Ofel weakened after making landfall in Cagayan on Thursday, the state weather bureau (PAGASA) reported.

As of 4 a.m. Friday, Ofel was located 100 kilometers northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts of up to 150 km/h. The typhoon had struck northern Luzon on Thursday, bringing moderate to heavy rains to the region. PAGASA warned that Ofel could still bring rain to Luzon’s northernmost areas, and the storm was expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday afternoon, only to re-enter as it re-curves on Saturday.

In contrast, Pepito, located 795 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, was intensifying rapidly. It had maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h and gusts of 135 km/h, and it is forecast to become a super typhoon by Saturday. PAGASA warned that Pepito would bring heavy rains to Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon starting Saturday, and may make landfall at its peak intensity over Eastern Bicol or Central Luzon this weekend.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has issued warnings about potential destructive winds, torrential rains, and storm surges in affected areas, particularly coastal regions of Bicol and Central Luzon.

PAGASA Wind Signal Updates

As of Friday morning, the following wind signals have been raised:

• Signal No. 3:

Babuyan Islands (Calayan, Dalupiri, Fuga Islands), Northwestern Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes), Northern Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud)
Expected Winds: 89-117 km/h in 18 hours
Threat: Moderate to significant risk to life and property

• Signal No. 2:

Rest of Babuyan Islands, Northwestern Cagayan (Sanchez Mira, Pamplona), Northern Apayao (Calanasan, Luna), Northern Ilocos Norte (Piddig, Bacarra, Adams, Dumalneg)
Expected Winds: 62-88 km/h in 24 hours
Threat: Minor to moderate risk to life and property

• Signal No. 1:

Batanes, Cagayan, Northern Isabela, Kalinga, Northern Abra, Northern Ilocos Sur
Expected Winds: 39-61 km/h in 24 hours
Threat: Minimal to minor risk to life and property

• Signal No. 1 due to Pepito:

Catanduanes, Eastern Camarines Norte, Eastern Camarines Sur, Eastern Albay, Southern Sorsogon
Expected Winds: 39-61 km/h in 24 hours
Threat: Minimal to minor risk to life and property

Devastating Storms Continue to Batter the Philippines

Ofel is the fifth storm to strike the country in just three weeks, following a brutal wave of typhoons that has claimed at least 159 lives. The United Nations has called for $32.9 million in aid for the worst-affected regions, which include parts of northern Luzon and the Visayas.

Despite the intensity of the storms, local authorities in some affected areas reported no immediate casualties or significant damage. In Baggao, Cagayan, 28 residents were evacuated due to flooding concerns. Police in the area expressed relief that Ofel had weakened as expected. "It was weaker than we feared," said Karen Ibarra, a local police officer.

Government Response

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who visited storm-affected areas to distribute emergency cash assistance, urged residents to heed evacuation orders, stressing the importance of safety. “While we cannot prevent typhoons from hitting the country, we can reduce their impact by strengthening our infrastructure,” Marcos said, highlighting the role of climate change in exacerbating the intensity of storms. He appealed to the public for cooperation in evacuation efforts, particularly in high-risk coastal areas.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as Pepito intensifies and the impacts of Ofel continue to be assessed.