Philippines In A State Of Calamity

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Anticipating the impact of what might be super typhoon “Pepeng,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared yesterday the entire country in a state of calamity to ensure that all government resources would be ready for a worst-case scenario.

The declaration of a state of calamity clears local government officials to tap 5 percent of their funds for calamity purposes, and trade officials to set price ceilings on commodities, officials said.

Pepeng (international code name “Parma”) slowed down at sea yesterday afternoon, prompting the Pagasa weather bureau to warn residents of Metro Manila and surrounding areas to prepare for the possibility of the typhoon changing direction and passing close to the metropolis.

At a press conference, Dr. Prisco Nilo, Pagasa director, expressed concern over Pepeng’s slowdown, which, he said, was caused by a high-pressure area in Hong Kong that was blocking its northward progress.

This could cause the typhoon to linger longer in the Philippines and dump more than the usual rainfall, Nilo said.

Because of the high-pressure area, Nilo said Pepeng might move a little to the south and continue on a westward path. If that occurs, it may cross Central Luzon close to Metro Manila.

“Be prepared, those residing in Metro Manila and those in the Calabarzon area,” Nilo said, adding that the chance of this happening was 30 percent.

More details at www.inquirer.net.