Super Typhoon 'Mawar' slightly intensifies while moving westward

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 25) — Super Typhoon Mawar slightly gained strength as it continues to move westward over the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines' weather bureau reported on Thursday.

In its 4 p.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Mawar was located 2,000 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon.

The typhoon has a strength of 195 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 240 km/h.

But Mawar remains outside of the country's weather monitoring area and still has no direct effect on any part of the Philippines, PAGASA added.

Mawar may enter the country’s weather monitoring area on Friday evening or Saturday morning.

The super typhoon is forecast to continue intensifying in the next three days and may reach a peak intensity of 215 km/h by Sunday. Mawar is then forecast to weaken but may remain a typhoon until Tuesday.

PAGASA said the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals over some areas is possible within the next few days.

The super typhoon’s rain bands will bring heavy rains over Cagayan Valley from Sunday until Tuesday next week.

Mawar is also seen to trigger monsoon rains over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas beginning on Sunday or Monday.

The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to continue monitoring for updates related to this tropical cyclone.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) spokesperson Raffy Alejandro told CNN Philippines the agency has intensified its information dissemination in areas that will be possibly affected by Mawar.

He also said authorities are making sure there is enough supply of relief goods, and search and rescue teams were told to be on standby.

Preemptive evacuation is possible, specifically in Batanes and the coastal towns of Cagayan, Alejandro added.