Super Typhoon Mawar is currently on course to bring heavy rainfall to the Philippines and Taiwan over the weekend. The storm has recently ravaged Guam and is among the top 10 strongest storms to occur globally since 2000.
While Mawar would not strike the Philippines, weather forecasts indicate that it would recurve and weaken when it approaches the eastern seaboard of Taiwan.
Philippines gets ready
Mawar's gustiness has slightly slowed from 260 km per hour to 250 km per hour as it approaches the Philippines due to two high-pressure systems in the northeast and the southwest.
According to the country's weather bureau, Mawar is expected to enter its area of responsibility and will be given the local name "Betty."
While the typhoon is not expected to hit any part of the country, authorities still urge Filipinos to prepare for possible flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall.
The typhoon could maintain its west-northwest direction, speeding its course until Saturday before slowing down by Sunday.
By Monday, the typhoon would move towards the east of the Batanes islands and is expected to slow further upon approaching the seas east of Taiwan.
Marcos: We are ready for Mawar
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday that the country has adequately prepared for the possible damage brought about by Mawar.
Marcos told local media that relief goods had been prepared and prepositioned in the northern part of the island of Luzon, which would be the most affected area during the storm's passage.
"We are in constant contact with the local governments to see what the situation is in their place," he said.
