Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Bagyong Juaning PAGASA Update July 26, 5 p.m.


At 4:00 p.m. today, Tropical Storm "JUANING" has slightly intensified as it moves toward Quezon area and increases its threat to Southern and Central Luzon.

Tropical Depression "Juaning" is estimated based on satellite and surface data at 50 km Northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte ( 14.4°N, 123.4°E) with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that Tropical Depression "Juaning" is moving West Northwest at 15 kph.

PUBLIC STORM WARNING SIGNAL

Signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds):

Camarines Provinces
Albay
Catanduanes
Pangasinan
Nueva Ecija
Zambales
Pampanga
Tarlac
Bulacan
Bataan
Rizal
Cavite
Laguna
Batangas
Quezon
Polillo Island
Metro Manila


Signal No. 1 (45-60 kph winds):

Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
Apayao
Cagayan
Abra
Kalinga
Isabela
Mt. Province
Ifugao
La Union
Benguet
Nueva Vizcaya
Quirino
Aurora
Mindoro Provinces
Lubang Is.
Marinduque
Romblon
Burias Is.
Masbate
Ticao Is.
Sorsogon


Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under signals #2 & # 1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.

Tropical Storm "JUANING" will enhance the Southwest Monsoon and will bring widespread rains over the Rest of Luzon and Western Visayas.

Alaska Bear Attack Almost Killed Teens In Alaska Training Course


Two teenagers are in an Anchorage hospital after a bear attack in the Alaska wilderness over the weekend. Joshua Berg, 17, of New City, N.Y., and Samuel Gottsegen, 17, of Denver were part of a group of seven teenagers who came upon a grizzly bear and her cub near the end of a 30-day backcountry training course.

Denver TV station KMGH interviewed Gottsegen:

"'I thought I was going to die when I was being attacked. I was so scared,' Sam Gottsegen, 17, told 7NEWS from an Anchorage hospital bed Sunday evening."

"The bear bit Gottsegen deeply in the chest, puncturing his lung and breaking ribs. It also gave him a severe bite on the skull. He was initially in critical condition, but stabilized after surgery Sunday afternoon."

The group was taking part in a course taught by the nonprofit National Outdoor Leadership School. The mauling occurred during a portion of the training when the students were hiking on their own, without instructors. The Anchorage Daily News says it was hours before rescue crews located the stricken group:

"The teens started first aid, made a camp and activated a locator beacon the instructors had given them. The Alaska Air National Guard's Rescue Coordination Center received the beacon transmission and notified troopers about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Peters said."

"The troopers' Helo 1 flew from Fairbanks with a pilot and trooper onboard and located the camp about 2:45 a.m., Peters said."

The AP reports Victor Martin, 18, of Richmond, Calif., who was also injured in the attack, was treated for a bite above his ankle and released. Noah Allaine, 16, of Albuquerque, N.M., remained in a Palmer, Alaska, hospital in good condition with undisclosed injuries.