By Kenneth Marcos 
As early as Friday morning, dark clouds started to form over the horizon, giving farmers and fishermen along Bicol’s eastern coast a sense of unease. That fear now has a name—Tropical Depression Ramil.
Tropical Depression Ramil formed east of Southeastern Luzon early Friday, according to the latest weather bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). As of 5:00 AM, Ramil was located 1,155 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 55 kilometers per hour.
The weather system is moving slowly in a west-northwest direction and is expected to gradually intensify over the weekend. PAGASA said Ramil may reach tropical storm category as early as Saturday morning.
Close Approach to Catanduanes, Landfall Expected by Sunday
Based on PAGASA’s forecast track, Ramil may pass close to Catanduanes by Saturday morning or afternoon, before potentially making landfall in either Aurora or Quezon by Sunday, October 19. Once it hits land, it may continue its westward path and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by early Monday, October 20.
Although still a low-category system, Ramil is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall over parts of Luzon and Visayas due to the combined effect of the depression and the prevailing easterlies. Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas, particularly in Central and Southern Luzon, as well as the Visayas, are advised to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides.
Public Safety Reminders
The Department of Agriculture – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DA-DRRM) Operations Center has issued early warnings to local government units, especially those in farming and coastal communities. Fisherfolk are urged to avoid venturing into the open sea, especially in the eastern seaboard, where sea conditions are expected to worsen as the storm approaches.
PAGASA also advised the public to continue monitoring official weather updates and bulletins. Authorities are closely monitoring Ramil’s movement and may issue tropical cyclone wind signals in the coming hours.
Rainy Days Ahead
Due to Ramil and the easterlies, many parts of Central and Southern Luzon, as well as the Visayas, will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms throughout the weekend. PAGASA reminds everyone to prepare umbrellas, check drainage systems, and avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas.
While no areas are under signal warnings yet, local officials and residents are urged to begin early preparations, especially those with crops and livestock at risk of damage from strong winds and flooding.
PAGASA is expected to release updates every six hours as the situation develops.
For official and real-time weather forecasts, visit the DOST-PAGASA website and follow their verified social media accounts.
As we face another weather disturbance, let us stay informed, prepared, and united in helping one another.
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