Catanduanes is featured on Cebu Pacific's Inflight Magazine - May issue, pages 54 - 58. Hidden Treasures - Written by Edgar Alan Zeta - Yap (EAZY).
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Philippines Feel the Effects of Kujira (Dante) - NASA/TRMM
Kujira became the first typhoon of the year in the northern West Pacific as it pulled away from the east-central Philippines early on the afternoon (local time) of the 4th of May 2009. The Philippines, which are frequently influenced by tropical cyclones, felt the effects of Kujira (known locally as "Dante") while it was still just a tropical storm.
A tropical depression formed from a stationary area of low pressure on the afternoon (local time) of May 1st near the southeastern tip of Luzon along the eastern side of the central Philippines. Later that same day the depression was upgraded to a minimal tropical storm and was named Kujira. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite (commonly known as TRMM) has been providing valuable images and information on tropical cyclones around the Tropics for over 11 years now since its launch back in November of 1997. Armed with a combination of passive microwave and active radar sensors, TRMM can provide unique images of tropical cyclones.
This first image from TRMM shows what would later become Kujira just after it had formed into a tropical depression. The image was taken at 6:28 UTC (2:28 pm local time) on 2 May 2009. It shows the horizontal pattern of rain intensity (top down view) within the depression. Rain rates in the center of the swath are from the TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR), a unique space-borne precipitation radar, while those in the outer swath are from the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI). These rain rates are overlaid on visible and infrared (IR) data from the TRMM Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS). At the time of this image, the system was a new depression with sustained winds estimated at just 30 knots (35 mph) by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Besides its own estimates, TRMM can be used to calibrate rainfall estimates from other satellites for increased coverage. The TRMM-based, near-real time Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is used to monitor rainfall over the global Tropics. TMPA rainfall totals associated with this system are shown for the period 27 April to 4 May 2009. The analysis shows extremely heavy amounts of rain on the order of 750 mm or more (~30 inches, shown by the lighter shade of brown) over southeastern Luzon and Catanduanes Island just to the east. Just over 12 hours after the previous TRMM snapshot of the depression was taken, a landslide in Sorsogon province in far southeastern Luzon killed 17 people when their houses were swept away in a village of Magallanes town. So far a total of 23 persons are reported to have died in the region on account of the storm, mainly due to flooding and landslides.
On Sunday May 3rd, Kujira finally began to move off to the northeast away from the islands and into the northern Philippine Sea. In the process, it also gained strength. This last image from TRMM was taken at 20:25 UTC on the 3rd of May (4:25 am 4 May local time) as it was moving northeast away from the Philippines; at that time it was a strong tropical storm with sustained winds estimated at 55 knots (~63 mph). In this image, Kujira has a small but well-defined core made up almost entirely of a complete eyewall containing moderate to intense rain (continuous circular area of green and red, respectively). Kujira would go on to become a strong Category 3 typhoon with sustained winds estimated at 100 knots (115 mph) by the following afternoon. The storm is expected to strengthen slightly before weakening in the northwest Pacific well south of Japan.
Images by Hal Pierce(SSAI/NASA GSFC) and captions by Steve Lang (SSAI/NASA GSFC)
Note: The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) designed to monitor and study tropical rainfall.
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A tropical depression formed from a stationary area of low pressure on the afternoon (local time) of May 1st near the southeastern tip of Luzon along the eastern side of the central Philippines. Later that same day the depression was upgraded to a minimal tropical storm and was named Kujira. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite (commonly known as TRMM) has been providing valuable images and information on tropical cyclones around the Tropics for over 11 years now since its launch back in November of 1997. Armed with a combination of passive microwave and active radar sensors, TRMM can provide unique images of tropical cyclones.This first image from TRMM shows what would later become Kujira just after it had formed into a tropical depression. The image was taken at 6:28 UTC (2:28 pm local time) on 2 May 2009. It shows the horizontal pattern of rain intensity (top down view) within the depression. Rain rates in the center of the swath are from the TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR), a unique space-borne precipitation radar, while those in the outer swath are from the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI). These rain rates are overlaid on visible and infrared (IR) data from the TRMM Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS). At the time of this image, the system was a new depression with sustained winds estimated at just 30 knots (35 mph) by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Besides its own estimates, TRMM can be used to calibrate rainfall estimates from other satellites for increased coverage. The TRMM-based, near-real time Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is used to monitor rainfall over the global Tropics. TMPA rainfall totals associated with this system are shown for the period 27 April to 4 May 2009. The analysis shows extremely heavy amounts of rain on the order of 750 mm or more (~30 inches, shown by the lighter shade of brown) over southeastern Luzon and Catanduanes Island just to the east. Just over 12 hours after the previous TRMM snapshot of the depression was taken, a landslide in Sorsogon province in far southeastern Luzon killed 17 people when their houses were swept away in a village of Magallanes town. So far a total of 23 persons are reported to have died in the region on account of the storm, mainly due to flooding and landslides.On Sunday May 3rd, Kujira finally began to move off to the northeast away from the islands and into the northern Philippine Sea. In the process, it also gained strength. This last image from TRMM was taken at 20:25 UTC on the 3rd of May (4:25 am 4 May local time) as it was moving northeast away from the Philippines; at that time it was a strong tropical storm with sustained winds estimated at 55 knots (~63 mph). In this image, Kujira has a small but well-defined core made up almost entirely of a complete eyewall containing moderate to intense rain (continuous circular area of green and red, respectively). Kujira would go on to become a strong Category 3 typhoon with sustained winds estimated at 100 knots (115 mph) by the following afternoon. The storm is expected to strengthen slightly before weakening in the northwest Pacific well south of Japan. Images by Hal Pierce(SSAI/NASA GSFC) and captions by Steve Lang (SSAI/NASA GSFC)
Note: The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) designed to monitor and study tropical rainfall.
RELATED LINKS:
- Rain Averages 240 Days in a Year - Average rainfall in Catanduanes
Puraran on SIP: The First Filipino Cafe Lifestyle Magazine
Puraran beach in Catanduanes is featured on SIP: The First Filipino Cafe Lifestyle Magazine, April issue. You can grab your copy at any Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch in the Philippines. Check out the nearest branch.
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RELATED LINKS:
- Puraran Beach - Take a glimpse of the surroundings of Puraran.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Camera Club Goes to Panay Island this May - CT
The Catanduanes Camera Club is inviting photography enthusiasts to join them in their scheduled field trip to Panay island in Panganiban town this May 11-12 to capture local tourist attractions.
Club president Engr. Fernan A. Gianan said the activity is open to all members as well as camera bugs who want to join the club as it launches its project of going to each of the province’s 11 towns to visit and document tourist spots and slices of daily life in a bid to promote them as viable destinations.
The group will assemble at the provincial capitol prior to their 1 P.M. journey by car to Panganiban town on May 11. Upon arrival, they will pay a courtesy call on Mayor Gregorio Angeles, take photos of the afternoon life at the poblacion, before proceeding to the Del Rio Resort in barangay San Miguel.
After an early breakfast on May 12, they will proceed to Tarahid at 4:30 P.M. for their boat trip to Panay island where they will capture the light house as the sun rises. A visit to the former US Loran station is also in the schedule before the group goes back to the poblacion for lunch and the trip back to Virac at 1 P.M.
Members have been assessed a contribution of P400 each to defray expenses while non-members would have to pay P1,000, including the P300 membership fee, to join the field trip. Photos taken during the trip would be exhibited to the public at a later date.
Those interested may contact Engr. Fernan Gianan (09216788801), Marlon Arcilla (09195964496), Erwin Teope (09274208801) or Bong Alberto (09265583755) for details.
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Club president Engr. Fernan A. Gianan said the activity is open to all members as well as camera bugs who want to join the club as it launches its project of going to each of the province’s 11 towns to visit and document tourist spots and slices of daily life in a bid to promote them as viable destinations.The group will assemble at the provincial capitol prior to their 1 P.M. journey by car to Panganiban town on May 11. Upon arrival, they will pay a courtesy call on Mayor Gregorio Angeles, take photos of the afternoon life at the poblacion, before proceeding to the Del Rio Resort in barangay San Miguel.
After an early breakfast on May 12, they will proceed to Tarahid at 4:30 P.M. for their boat trip to Panay island where they will capture the light house as the sun rises. A visit to the former US Loran station is also in the schedule before the group goes back to the poblacion for lunch and the trip back to Virac at 1 P.M.
Members have been assessed a contribution of P400 each to defray expenses while non-members would have to pay P1,000, including the P300 membership fee, to join the field trip. Photos taken during the trip would be exhibited to the public at a later date.
Those interested may contact Engr. Fernan Gianan (09216788801), Marlon Arcilla (09195964496), Erwin Teope (09274208801) or Bong Alberto (09265583755) for details.
RELATED LINKS:
- Camera Club to Documents Tourist Spots in 11 Towns - Tourist spots in Virac, Panganiban (Payo), Viga, Bagamanoc, Pandan, Caramoran, San Miguel, Baras, Bato and Pandan
- Virac Airport Expansion - Expansion of Virac airport to accomodate influx of tourists going Caramoran, Camarines Sur
- Cebu Pacific Air Begins Flight to Virac - Cebu Pacific flies to Virac Domestic Airport
Saturday, May 2, 2009
'Crising' Affects 500 Families in Quezon, Isolates Bicol Towns - GMANews.tv
MANILA, Philippines - Rains and floods brought by tropical depression "Crising" have forced the evacuation of at least 500 families in Quezon province and isolated several areas in Bicol.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Friday that as of 1 p.m. Thursday, 10 villages in Lucena City were flooded, forcing the families to leave their homes.
In a situation report on its Web site (www.ndcc.gov.ph), the NDCC said 500 families or 2,500 persons were brought to six elementary schools in Barangay 1, Ibabang Dupay, 5, 7, 9, and 10.
On the other hand, isolated landslides and flash floods were reported in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Masbate provinces in Bicol.
At Catanduanes, areas along Bucon and Inalmasinan Rivers were flooded, while in San Miguel town, crops along the riverside were submerged and animals drowned.
Landslides were recorded at Paraiso, Pagsanghan and Boton villages, while flash floods were recorded in Sagrada and Hinipaan villages.
The road network from Virac to Bagamanoc was rendered impassable.
In Camarines Norte, portions of Daang Maharlika near Daguit were impassable, with motorists bound for Manila advised to take an alternate route via Quirino Highway.
San Vicente town was isolated after a temporary bridge was washed out.
In Mercedes town, one bridge and one spillway were washed out.
In Masbate, some areas were flooded, the NDCC said. - GMANews.TV
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The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Friday that as of 1 p.m. Thursday, 10 villages in Lucena City were flooded, forcing the families to leave their homes.In a situation report on its Web site (www.ndcc.gov.ph), the NDCC said 500 families or 2,500 persons were brought to six elementary schools in Barangay 1, Ibabang Dupay, 5, 7, 9, and 10.
On the other hand, isolated landslides and flash floods were reported in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Masbate provinces in Bicol.At Catanduanes, areas along Bucon and Inalmasinan Rivers were flooded, while in San Miguel town, crops along the riverside were submerged and animals drowned.
Landslides were recorded at Paraiso, Pagsanghan and Boton villages, while flash floods were recorded in Sagrada and Hinipaan villages.
The road network from Virac to Bagamanoc was rendered impassable.
In Camarines Norte, portions of Daang Maharlika near Daguit were impassable, with motorists bound for Manila advised to take an alternate route via Quirino Highway.
San Vicente town was isolated after a temporary bridge was washed out.
In Mercedes town, one bridge and one spillway were washed out.
In Masbate, some areas were flooded, the NDCC said. - GMANews.TV
RELATED LINKS:
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