Hanoi (VNA) – Localities in the northern Luzon Island and central part of the Philippines are forecast to experience heavy rains with a high risk of flooding and landslides although Typhoon Mawar has weakened while heading to the Southeast Asian country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The administration said that as of May 28, Mawar was spotted 630 km east of Luzon Island, moving northwestward at 15 km per hour, packing 165 km per hour winds and gusts of up to 205 km per hour.

Diego Mariano, the chief of the Office of Civil Defense Joint Monitoring Centre, said that some areas have started preemptive evacuation of people in flood-prone areas in Luzon and the central Philippines.

According to the PAGASA, the typhoon will weaken gradually and likely become slow-moving to almost stationary by May 30 before moving northward or north-northeastward by mid-May 31. 

Earlier, Typhoon Mawar made landfall in the US territory of Guam. This is considered the biggest storm in 20 years in Guam, causing widespread power outages and extensive damage to facilities in the locality./.
VNA