Typhoon Leon has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) after battering Batanes and other regions, with PAGASA lifting all typhoon signals across the nation.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported late Thursday that Leon’s eye was located 445 kilometers north northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. Carrying maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching up to 165 km/h, Leon sped northwestward at 25 kph, heading towards Taiwan where landfall is expected.
Despite the lifted signals, moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated in Batanes, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and the Calamian Islands due to the typhoon’s trailing effects. Additionally, rough seas are expected on Friday around Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, northeastern mainland Cagayan, and eastern Isabela.
PAGASA forecasts indicate that Leon will continue to move northward over the next 12 hours and northeastward into the East China Sea. A possible second landfall in mainland China remains on the horizon.
During Leon’s closest approach to Batanes, where Signal No. 5 was raised, the province witnessed extreme conditions characteristic of a super typhoon Wednesday night. As reported by Jun Veneracion for GMA News “24 Oras,” fierce winds and torrential rains lashed the region, causing significant impact.
In Batanes, damage included power outages and inaccessible roads in Basco due to fallen trees and debris. The Santa Maria De Mayan Church also sustained damage. Local government workers bravely cleared roadblocks despite hazardous conditions.
Leon also struck Ilocos Norte and Mountain Province. Coastal residents in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte evacuated due to storm surges, while high winds damaged several homes in Pasuquin. Bauko, Mountain Province suffered from power outages after an electric line was brought down by a fallen tree. Local electric cooperatives swiftly acted to restore electricity.
As recovery efforts commence in affected areas, residents remain hopeful for a swift return to normalcy.
