By Kenneth Marcos 
As Typhoon Nando moves farther away from the country, residents of Luzon and the Visayas are still being urged to stay alert due to continued rains from the southwest monsoon.
CAGAYAN – Just days after battering parts of Northern Luzon with powerful winds and rain, Super Typhoon Nando has weakened and is now moving out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the weather bureau announced this morning.
According to PAGASA, as of Tuesday morning, September 23, the center of Typhoon Nando was spotted 265 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan. It has maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 230 kph. The typhoon is moving westward at 20 kph and is expected to fully exit PAR within the day.
New Weather Threat Looms East of Visayas
While Nando exits, another weather system is being closely monitored. A Low Pressure Area (LPA) east of Eastern Visayas has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. PAGASA warns that this could bring more rain to the region as it possibly enters the country.
Southwest Monsoon Continues to Soak South
Even as Nando moves away, the southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to bring moderate to heavy rains in Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Flash floods and landslides remain possible, especially in areas with steep slopes or already saturated soil.
Communities in low-lying or mountainous areas are advised to stay vigilant, especially in provinces where the ground has softened due to continuous rains. Local disaster response teams are on standby, with pre-positioned supplies ready in case of emergencies.
Public Safety Reminders
The Department of Agriculture – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DA-DRRM) unit urges farmers and fisherfolk to postpone activities in affected regions, especially in coastal and riverine areas. Strong winds and rough seas still pose serious risks to small boats and outdoor labor.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring updates from PAGASA through official channels and follow instructions from local government units, especially when it comes to evacuation or emergency sheltering.
Storm Season Not Over Yet
As the country remains within the peak of the typhoon season, the public is reminded that more storms are expected in the coming weeks. On average, the Philippines experiences 20 typhoons a year, with most hitting between July and October. Proper preparation, early warning, and community cooperation remain key to minimizing damage and loss of life.
Stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe.
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