As the nation braces for the onslaught of Super Typhoon Egay, the entire city of Baguio finds itself battling the ferocious storm’s wrath, enduring city-wide blackouts, heavy winds, and relentless rains. The situation has become dire, and residents are facing extreme challenges.
On Tuesday morning, the state weather bureau PAGASA issued a concerning update, announcing that Typhoon Egay had intensified into a super typhoon. Four areas were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3, signaling the gravity of the approaching storm.
In the regions of Ilocandia and mountain province, which fell under TWCS No. 2, heavy rains and strong winds pounded relentlessly, leaving residents and tourists alike in a state of vulnerability and uncertainty. However, the most significant impact was felt in Benguet, particularly in the picturesque city of Baguio, as the entire city plunged into darkness due to a widespread power outage. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without electricity as the storm raged on.
Egay, located approximately 310 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, exhibited its fury with maximum sustained winds reaching a menacing 185 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 230 km/h. The typhoon was moving northwestward at a speed of 10 km/h, leaving destruction in its wake.
PAGASA’s forecast painted a worrisome picture, as Egay was projected to make landfall or pass very close to the Babuyan Islands and the northeastern mainland Cagayan area between late Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon. With such a trajectory, the regions faced the brunt of the typhoon’s unrelenting force.
As the storm lashed out, an expected accumulation of rainfall was predicted in various regions. The eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands and the northern portions of mainland Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte might experience rainfall exceeding 200 mm. Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur, Abra, the northern portion of La Union, the western portion of Kalinga, Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, and Apayao could expect accumulated rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 mm. Further, Batanes, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela, the northern portion of Zambales, and the rest of the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region may face rainfall measuring 50 to 100 mm.
With the situation in Baguio becoming increasingly challenging, netizens took to social media to share their experiences and concerns. Eve (@yishzaydez) painted a grim picture, stating, “The situation in Baguio is dire and extremely challenging for its residents. The ongoing storm has caused a complete power outage, plunging the city into darkness. The relentless heavy rain and strong winds are not only causing inconvenience but also posing serious safety risks.”
Another netizen, @bbygyuu12, echoed the sentiment, describing the scene as “super dilim sa baguio & the wind is still howling.” Meanwhile, Iska (@lyli4c) shared her worries, saying, “Grabe naman ang lakas ng ulan at hangin sa Baguio, paano na ak uuwi Morong bukas nyan.”
As Super Typhoon Egay’s fury rages on, the nation unites in prayer and solidarity, hoping for the safety and well-being of those affected. Baguio City’s resilience is put to the test as residents endure the storm’s wrath, facing uncertainty with unwavering spirit. The storm may be relentless, but the Filipino spirit is unyielding, and amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope shines through the solidarity of a nation united in the face of adversity.
The Daily Netizen 