OCCIDENTAL MINDORO — Heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Ferdie have affected 1,441 farmers in Occidental Mindoro as of September 15, 2024, according to a partial damage report from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

The report indicates that 2,146.1 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, resulting in an economic loss of PhP77,859,189.46 pesos.

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Gener is maintaining its strength over waters east of Cagayan Valley.

As of 1:00 PM today, Sept. 16, Gener was located 305 km East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness up to 70 km/h.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 for several areas in Luzon, including parts of Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora provinces.

PAGASA warns of potential heavy rainfall in parts of Luzon and Visayas due to Gener and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

Coastal waters around Southern Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao are experiencing moderate to rough seas, with wave heights up to 3.5 meters in some areas.

Gener is forecast to make landfall in Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours before moving over the West Philippine Sea. It may intensify into a tropical storm by tomorrow evening or Wednesday.

Local disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to take necessary precautions. Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local officials.