TYPHOON WATCH | PLDT, Smart remain on full alert as ‘Mawar’ nears PH

As of 8am, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have accelerated their preparation of mission-critical equipment and teams as super typhoon ‘Mawar’ nears the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“PLDT and Smart have been on full alert since super typhoon ‘Mawar’ began moving towards PAR. We have activated our business continuity plan to ensure minimal to zero disruption in our network and services,” said Cathy Yang, first vice president and head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Since yesterday, PLDT and Smart’s network operations teams have already been deployed to areas in Northern Luzon that may be impacted by ‘Mawar’. Frequent updates and situational reporting from the ground have been provided since.

Weather bureau PAGASA just reported that ‘Mawar’ has slightly intensified as it was moving westward over the Philippine Sea, with the center of its eye located at 1,705 km east of Southeastern Luzon estimated based on all available data.

Movement of ‘Mawar’ is still expected to continue generally northwestward until Sunday and forecasted to enter PAR tonight or Saturday early morning. While ‘Mawar’ is anticipated to reach its peak intensity within 24 hours, it may still slightly weaken by tomorrow evening, but will remain as a super typhoon until Monday morning.

The super typhoon may bring heavy rains over Northern Luzon beginning late Sunday or on Monday next week. This may cause flooding or rain-induced landslides in affected areas. Forecast for ‘Mawar’ also shows it will enhance the Southwest Monsoon which may bring rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas beginning on Sunday or Monday.

PLDT and Smart continue to prepare their facilities, ready with sufficiently fueled generator sets, in areas that may be impacted by super typhoon ‘Mawar’, which will be called #BettyPH once within PAR. A central command center in Makati City and a regional command center in Pampanga are already on standby and will be activated as soon as needed.

We urge everyone to take necessary precautions and heed the alerts and warnings of local governments and disaster response authorities.

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