December 3, 2014 — The Philippine Coast Guard went on heightened alert Wednesday for Typhoon Hagupit, which intensified before noon as it continued to approach the Philippines.
Coast Guard spokesman Cmdr. Armand Balilo said they are particularly watching Eastern Visayas, southeastern Mindanao and Bicol, radio dzBB’s Glen Juego reported.
Balilo said they have put in place medical teams, air and sea assets, and rescue and response personnel.
On the other hand, he appealed to fishermen and those in small sea craft not to venture out to the eastern seaboards of the country.
Earlier, state weather agency PAGASA said Typhoon Hagupit intensified before noon and could move closer to Eastern Visayas by Friday.
In its 11 a.m. update, PAGASA said the typhoon was estimated at 1,610 km east of Davao City as of 8 a.m., with maximum winds of 140 kph and gustiness of 170 kph.
PAGASA said Hagupit is projected to move west-northwest at 30 kph and may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility Thursday morning.
Once it does, it will be locally codenamed “Ruby.”
But for now, PAGASA said the typhoon is still too far to affect any part of the country. - GMA News