Manila: Typhoon Francisco (international name Mekkhala) continues to weaken, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The cyclone is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 155 km per hour near the center and gusts of up to 190 kph. As of 4 a.m., it is situated 275 km east of Basco, Batanes, and is forecast to remain a typhoon while inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. According to Philippines News Agency, Typhoon Francisco is moving northward at a pace of 10 kph. As the cyclone progresses, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been hoisted in Batanes and the northeastern portion of Cagayan, including the areas of Gonzaga, Santa Ana, and the Babuyan Islands. The typhoon's outer bands, combined with the southwest monsoon, are expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts across regions such as the Visayas, most parts of Luzon, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental. A ga le warning remains in effect for the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon. While Francisco is forecast to gradually weaken and stay far from landmass, heavy rains are expected to persist in Batanes and Cagayan, as reported by PAGASA.
