MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all relevant government agencies to maintain ongoing rescue and relief efforts for those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which is threatening to return to the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) following warnings from the state weather bureau.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a briefing at Malacañan Palace, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicated that Kristine could potentially interact with a nearby tropical depression, possibly triggering the Fujiwhara effect. This meteorological phenomenon occurs when two cyclones move in tandem, influencing each other’s trajectory and intensity. Kristine was last spotted 410 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, outside the PAR. Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. informed President Marcos that Kristine could remain within the PAR for up to a week.
President Marcos emphasized the necessity for preemptive actions, expres
sing the importance of continuous monitoring and assistance, regardless of whether another storm emerges. The President underscored the need to prioritize the Bicol Region, which has suffered significant impact from Kristine and faces challenges in accessibility, complicating relief efforts.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already distributed approximately 150,752 family food packs and 3,231 non-food items, valued at PHP111,133,601. Additionally, the DSWD maintains a national stockpile of 1,905,700 family food packs worth PHP1,439,033,413.58 to support ongoing relief operations.
Following the briefing, President Marcos conducted an aerial inspection of inundated areas in Metro Manila and the provinces of Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite. PAGASA forecasts that Kristine will gradually intensify over the West Philippine Sea, with the potential to escalate into a typhoon, although a weakening trend is anticipated by early next week due to a possible surge of northeasterly winds.