Philippine authorities issue warning ahead of Typhoon

By Hayati Nupus

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AA) - Authorities in the Philippines warned on Wednesday that destructive winds and torrential rain triggered by Typhoon Ulysses in the main island of Luzon could generate volcanic sediment flows, or lahars.

"Ulysses is expected to intensify into a typhoon in the next 12 to 24 hours... heavy to intense rainfall can be expected in these areas which could generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars, muddy streamflows or muddy run-off in rivers and drainage areas," the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in its morning advisory.

Separately, agency chief Renato Solidum advised communities to monitor the storm conditions, and take pre-emptive measures.

“Residents in these areas [including Metro Manila and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon] should be careful and local governments must take action to ensure their safety,” he said.

People in coastal communities have also been asked to evacuate.

Typhoons and tropical storms regularly hit the archipelago country, claiming lives and causing damage to property. The island nation was struck by Typhoon Goni on Nov. 1.

*Writing by Rhany Chairunissa Rufinaldo with Anadolu Agency's Indonesian-language service in Jakarta