Bulletin No. 4 on STY “BETTY” (international name “MAWAR”)
Issued at 3:00 PM, 27 May 2023
DOST-PAGASA SITUATIONER
Super Typhoon “MAWAR” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this morning and is now locally named as “BETTY”. As of 10:00 AM today, the center of the eye of Super Typhoon “BETTY” was estimated based on all available data at 1,170 km East of Central Luzon (16.4°N, 133.1°E) with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the center and gustiness up to 240 km/h. It is moving West northwestward at 30 km.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) #1 has been raised in the eastern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan and Camiguin Islands, and the eastern portion of Isabela. In areas that will not be directly affected by the Super Typhoon, monsoon rains and strong breeze to near gale conditions with intermittent gusts from the enhanced Southwest Monsoon are possible over the western sections of MIMAROPA, Visayas, and Mindanao tomorrow.
“BETTY” is forecast to remain as a super typhoon over the weekend. However, this tropical cyclone may begin weakening considerably on Monday or Tuesday during its slow down period over the waters east of Batanes.
AREAS AT RISK
Based on the combined data of affected regions (CAR, I, II and III) as of today, the area of standing crops that may be affected by STY “BETTY” totals to 234,145 hectares with 159,116 hectares for rice and 75,029 hectares for corn.
ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT
The DA RFOs along the track of the Super Typhoon has undertaken the following:
1. Activation of DA Regional DRRM Operations Centers;
2. Continuous dissemination of localized advisories to APCOs, LGUs, farmers and fisherfolk;
3. Prepositioning of seeds, fertilizer, drugs and biologics in safe storage facilities; and
4. Close coordination with DOST-PAGASA, as well as other regional DRRM-related offices, and Local Government Unit counterparts regarding the monitoring of STY “BETTY”
AVAILABLE INTERVENTIONS
The following assistance are available for distribution to farmers and fishers to be affected by the super typhoon and enhanced Southwest Monsoon:
1. 681,205 bags of rice seeds, 21,192 bags of corn seeds, and 20,454 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds from all regions;
2. Drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry;
3. Fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR);
4. Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with loanable amount of up to PhP 25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and
5. Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
The DA-DRRM Operations Center will continuously provide updates regarding STY “BETTY”. For inquiries, you may contact (02) 8929-0140.
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