Addressing false claims and warnings being shared around on social, state weather bureau PAGASA stressed there’s no such thing as a tropical cyclone named Maria about to enter the Philippine area of responsibility.
Roberto Sawi, PAGASA chief weather forecaster, issued this statement after receiving reports online about a “super typhoon” named Maria that will supposedly hit the country.
“There are posts currently circulating online and being shared in various social networking services stating there is a tropical cyclone named ‘MARIA’ will be hitting the country as a ‘Super Typhoon’. To prevent unwanted panic on the part of the public, we would like to make the following clarifications,” Sawi said.
He noted that so far, there’s only Typhoon “IN-FA” (Typhoon Fabian) and Tropical Storm “NEPARTAK” being monitored outside PAR.
“Based on all available data, apart from Typhoon ‘IN-FA” and Tropical Storm “NEPARTAK” outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) there are no other tropical cyclones that are expected to enter the PAR and affect the Philippine landmass within the next three to five days,” Sawi said.
The head weather forecaster then cautioned the public from sharing unofficial information about the weather online.
“The public is advised to undertake precautionary measures, continue monitoring for updates and remain vigilant against unofficial information coming from unverified sources,” he said.
Sawi then provided PAGASA’s official social media accounts where the public can monitor for updates, wherein:
- Website: bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph
- Facebook: Dost_pagasa
- Twitter: @dost_pagasa
- YouTube: DOST-PAGASA WEATHER REPORT
The last time a typhoon named Maria entered the country was in July 2018.
