Super Typhoon Pepito Threatens Northeastern Bicol Region with Catastrophic Impacts

Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-Yi) has intensified further, posing a potentially catastrophic and life-threatening situation for the northeastern portion of the Bicol Region and parts of Eastern Visayas. Residents in these areas are urged to prepare for the impacts of extreme winds, torrential rains, and hazardous coastal conditions.

Location of Super Typhoon Pepito

• Location of Center: 200 km East of Juban, Sorsogon, or 180 km East Southeast of Virac, Catanduanes (13.1 °N, 125.8°E)
• Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the center, gusts up to 240 km/h, and central pressure at 920 hPa
• Movement: West northwestward at 20 km/h
• Extent of Winds: Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outward up to 300 km from the center

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals in Effect

TCWS No. 5

• Wind Threat: Typhoon-force winds (185 km/h or higher)
• Warning Lead Time: 12 hours
• Potential Impacts: Extreme threat to life and property

Affected Area:

• Luzon:
  • Catanduanes

TCWS No. 4

• Wind Threat: Typhoon-force winds (118-184 km/h)
• Warning Lead Time: 12 hours
• Potential Impacts: Significant to severe threat to life and property

Affected Areas:

• Luzon:
  • Northeastern Camarines Sur:
    • Garchitorena
    • Caramoan
    • Presentacion
    • Siruma
    • Tinambac
    • Goa
    • Lagonoy
    • San Jose
    • Tigaon
    • Sagñay
  • Northeastern Albay:
    • City of Tabaco
    • Tiwi
    • Malinao
    • Malilipot
    • Bacacay
    • Rapu-Rapu

TCWS No. 3

• Wind Threat: Storm-force winds (89-117 km/h)
• Warning Lead Time: 18 hours
• Potential Impacts: Moderate to significant threat to life and property

Affected Areas:

• Luzon:
  • Polillo Islands
  • Southeastern mainland Quezon:
    • Calauag
    • Guinayangan
    • Tagkawayan
    • Buenavista
  • Camarines Norte
  • Rest of Camarines Sur
  • Rest of Albay
  • Northern Sorsogon:
    • Prieto Diaz
    • City of Sorsogon
    • Gubat
    • Barcelona
    • Castilla
    • Casiguran
    • Pilar
    • Donsol
• Visayas:
  • Eastern and Central Northern Samar:
    • Palapag
    • Laoang
    • Mapanas
    • Gamay
    • Lapinig
    • Catubig
    • Pambujan
    • Las Navas
    • Biri
    • Bobon
    • Catarman
    • Mondragon
    • San Roque
    • Silvino Lobos
    • Lope de Vega
    • San Jose
  • Northernmost Eastern Samar:
    • San Policarpo
    • Arteche
    • Oras
    • Jipapad

TCWS No. 2

• Wind Threat: Gale-force winds (62-88 km/h)
• Warning Lead Time: 24 hours
• Potential Impacts: Minor to moderate threat to life and property

Affected Areas:

• Luzon:
  • Southern Isabela:
    • Dinapigue
    • Cordon
    • Ramon
    • Alicia
    • City of Cauayan
    • Angadanan
    • City of Santiago
    • San Isidro
    • Echague
    • Jones
    • San Agustin
    • San Guillermo
    • San Mariano
    • Benito Soliven
    • Naguilian
    • Palanan
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Aurora
  • Eastern Pangasinan
  • Nueva Ecija
  • Bulacan
  • Tarlac
  • Pampanga
  • Southern Zambales
  • Bataan
  • Metro Manila
  • Rizal
  • Laguna
  • Cavite
  • Rest of Quezon
  • Marinduque
  • Burias Island
  • Ticao Island
• Visayas:
  • Central Eastern Samar:
    • Dolores
    • Maslog
    • Can-Avid
    • Taft
    • Sulat
    • San Julian
    • City of Borongan
  • Northern Samar
  • Samar municipalities including Calbayog City and Catbalogan City

TCWS No. 1

• Wind Threat: Strong winds (39-61 km/h)
• Warning Lead Time: 36 hours
• Potential Impacts: Minimal to minor threat to life and property

Affected Areas:

• Luzon:
  • Mainland Cagayan
  • Rest of Isabela
  • Apayao
  • Kalinga
  • Abra
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Benguet
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Rest of Pangasinan
  • Zambales
  • Batangas
  • Northern Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Islands)
  • Northern Oriental Mindoro
  • Romblon
  • Rest of Masbate
• Visayas:
  • Eastern Samar
  • Samar
  • Biliran
  • Northern and Central Leyte
  • Northeastern Southern Leyte
  • Northern Cebu (including Bantayan Islands)
  • Northern Iloilo (Carles)
• Mindanao:
  • Northern Dinagat Islands

Hazards Affecting Land and Coastal Waters

• Heavy Rainfall: Widespread flooding and landslides anticipated.
• Coastal Inundation: Storm surge exceeding 3 meters likely in affected coastal areas.
• Sea Conditions: Sea travel is risky due to extremely rough seas, especially in Catanduanes and nearby areas.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Pepito is nearing its peak intensity and may sustain super typhoon status upon landfall. Landfall over Catanduanes is expected tonight or early tomorrow morning, with possible impacts in Camarines Sur, Albay, or Quezon. Significant weakening is forecast as Pepito crosses Luzon. Residents must remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation protocols.