MANILA, Philippines – Super Typhoon Pepito, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kph and gusts of up to 240 kph, is barreling toward the vulnerable northeastern Bicol Region of the Philippines, forecasters warned on Saturday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the massive storm was located 120 km east of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4 p.m. local time, and is moving west-northwestward at 20 kph.
Residents in the typhoon’s path are bracing for the worst, with Catanduanes and parts of Camarines Sur placed under the highest tropical cyclone wind signal. These areas are expected to experience the full force of Pepito’s typhoon-strength winds.
“This is an extremely dangerous situation,” said PAGASA administrator Vicente Malano. “We’re urging all residents in the target areas to take immediate precautions and follow instructions from local authorities.”
The weather agency also warned of life-threatening storm surges, with peak heights potentially exceeding 3 meters in low-lying coastal regions across the northern and central Philippines. Heavy to intense rainfall is forecast for the Bicol Peninsula and surrounding areas.
Super Typhoon Pepito is the latest in a string of powerful storms to hit the Philippines this year, a country that endures an average of 20 typhoons annually. Experts say climate change is making these weather events increasingly fierce and unpredictable.
Local disaster response teams have been mobilized, and evacuation centers are being prepared to shelter those fleeing the storm’s wrath. Authorities are rushing to secure vulnerable communities before Pepito’s arrival, which is expected within the next 24 hours.
“We’ve seen the devastation that these super typhoons can bring,” said Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua. “We are doing everything in our power to protect our people, but this is an immense challenge. We need all hands on deck.”
