The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also warned of heavy rains until Thursday

Expecting a landfall late last night, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council rolled out preparations for typhoon “Rosita” with its experience from the recent typhoon “Ompong” as its gauge.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) also warned of heavy rains until Thursday as various government agencies alerted areas against possible flooding and landslides.

Director Edgar Posadas of the NDRRMC said government agencies have been put on constant monitoring of “Rosita’s” movement (international name: “Yutu”) as it was spotted 980 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan early Sunday morning.

It packs strength of 245 kph, according to PAGASA.

“We raised the level of warning for ‘Rosita’ in the same level of ‘Ompong,’” Posadas said, adding, “we want all agencies and local government units to prepare for the typhoon’s strength similar to their experience with ‘Ompong.’”

Also on alert are the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government and the LGU.

PAGASA was expected to raise Tropical Cyclone Signals over the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon late last night.

“The reports about ‘Rosita’ possibly taking the same routes taken by ‘Ompong’ are accurate,” Posadas said. “We cannot do anything about the typhoon’s trajectory, but we can do something by preparing for the landfall.”

Also on alert are the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government and the LGU.

Heavy rains are expected today, according to PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio.

“Rosita” has a diameter of 800-kms and is expected to bring rains to a wide area in Luzon.

Due to this, sea travel remains risky across the country’s eastern seacoasts.

“Rosita” is expected to affect the observance of All Saints’ Day by the predominantly Catholic Filipinos on 1 November and All Souls’ Day the following day.

The Cagayan-Isabela area is expected to be hard hit by strong winds and rains two days prior to the short holidays.

Manila is also expected to experience light to moderate rains on Thursday as well as in the Ilocos Region, Bataan and Zambales provinces.

“The rains on Thursday are unlikely to trigger flood and landslides in these areas,” Aurelio said. “The weather will improve on Friday, except in the Ilocos Region which may still experience cloudy skies with light rains.”

Landslides and flooding occurred at the height of “Ompong’s” wrath with government pegging losses and damage at P14 billion.