Tropical Storm Chedeng

As of yesterday, I was already waiting for the update of the PHILIPPINE ATMOSPHERIC, GEOPHYSICAL AND ASTRONOMICAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION or PAGASA. Now I am worried because I saw in the satellite map that my hometown will be very much affected by the typhoon “Chedeng”.

I know from Severe Weather Bulletin Number Twelve Tropical Cyclone Warning: Typhoon “Chedeng” (International Name: SONGDA) issued at around 5:00 AM, Thursday, May 26, 2011, that at exactly 4:00 a.m. today, the eye of Typhoon “Chedeng” was (estimated based on radar, satellite and surface data) at 270 km East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes (14.0°N, 127.0°E) with maximum sustained winds of 160 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph. It is forecasted to move around 205 km North of Virac, Catanduanes tomorrow (Friday, May 27, 2011).

Areas under Public Storm Signal 1 are:

1.       Cagayan

2.       Isabela

3.       Quirino

4.       Aurora

5.       Quezon, including Polillo Island

6.       Marinduque including Burias Island and Ticao Island

7.       Masbate

Areas under Public Storm Signal 2 are:

1.       Catanduanes

2.       Sorsogon

3.       Albay

4.       Camarines Sur

5.       Camarines Norte

Residents who are living in those areas, especially those who are in low-lying and mountainous areas, are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves.

I was raised in Catanduanes, a province well-known for being a typhoon spot in this country.

My family lives there and our house is near the sea. If the storm enters our province, almost all will be affected. Although Catandunganons (as people from Catanduanes are called) are brave and strong, the thought of devastation and loss of livelihood still manages to instill fear!

I hope and pray that God will not allow “Chedeng”. to pass over our province.

There is the saying that goes: “For every hurricane, there is a rainbow.“ Many things are wrought by prayers.

Please help me pray.