Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has activated a Code White alert in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Storm Ramil. ‘Idineklara ng Department of Health ang Code White Alert kaugnay ng inaasahang pag-landfall ng Bagyong Ramil ngayong hapon (The DOH has declared a Code White alert in relation to the expected landfall of Ramil this afternoon),’ it said on Saturday. Under Code White, the DOH will closely monitor its operations center and preposition necessary medicine and medical equipment for rapid emergency response. Health Emergency Response Teams, it said, are ready for immediate deployment to provide immediate assistance to severely hit regions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday afternoon reported that Ramil has slightly weakened over the coastal waters of Northern Samar. As of 1 p.m., Ramil was estimated over the coastal waters of Laoang, Northern Samar, moving westward at 25 kph, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

The weather bureau forecast Ramil to make landfall over Catanduanes on Saturday afternoon or evening, and over Camarines Sur in the evening or early morning on Sunday. It said a slightly southward shift in the forecast track will result in a landfall over Albay or Sorsogon Saturday afternoon or evening. Based on the forecast track, Ramil will continue moving west-northwestward over the landmass or coastal waters of the Bicol Region between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Afterwards, it will pass close or over Polillo Islands on Sunday morning, then make a final landfall in the vicinity of Aurora on Sunday morning or afternoon. PAGASA, however, did not rule out the possibility of landfall over northern Quezon or southern Isabela instead of Aurora. After making landfall in Aurora, Ramil will traverse the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon and emerge over the coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union Sunday evening. It will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday morning, according to PAGASA.

Based on the latest situation report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 12 seaports in Calabarzon reported cancelled trips due to the storm, and about 90 passengers were left stranded as of Saturday morning.