Weather Today – October 11, 2016 | Two LPAs, typhoon outside PAR

Tropical Depression “Aere” (formerly “Julian” inside the Philippine boundary), has weakened into a low pressure area (LPA). At 4:00 AM today, it was last estimated at 625 kms. west of Basco, Batanes.

Aere has no direct effect on any part of the country, but it continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, locally known as hanging habagat. This weather system will particularly affect the western section of Northern and Central Luzon.

Meanwhile, another LPA was spotted at 1,030 kms. east of Mindanao. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran, it may enter the PAR today and has a high chance to develop into a tropical cyclone or bagyo. If it does, it will be named “Karen”, the 11th cyclone to enter the Philippine boundary.

Today, residents of Metro Manila and the regions of CALABARZON, Cordillera, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN, Davao and the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Palawan are alerted against cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms. The remaining parts of the country will have generally fair weather, apart from isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Fisherfolk are advised to prepare for moderate to occasionally rough sea conditions in the northern and eastern sections of Luzon, while the rest of the country will have slight to moderate seas.

Meanwhile, Typhoon “Songda” continues to move farther away from the country. It was last seen at 2,550 kms. east northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 165 kph and gustiness of up to 205 kph. Moving north at 17 kph, PAGASA said it is no longer expected to enter the PAR due to its proximity and course.

World News: Death toll rises in Haiti

Hurricane Matthew, dubbed as the fiercest Carribean storm for almost a decade, directly hit Haiti, Tuesday last week. The powerful hurricane caused 1,000 deaths and affected more than a million people, with at least 300,000 in need of immediate assistance.

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, health officials warned about the spread of cholera. Cholera is a bacterial infection, highly contagious in areas with contaminated water. It can cause severe diarrhea and may cause death if untreated.

Authorities are concerned about the rising cholera cases, but are keeping their focus on giving primary needs to the victims of the calamity. These include water, food, medication and shelter.