The low pressure area that developed into Tropical Storm “Leon” is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this weekend, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday.

Meanwhile, more than 4 million were affected by Tropical Storm “Kristine,” and 83 cities and municipalities or local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines have been placed under a state of calamity due to the damage caused by storm.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said that more than 4 million individuals were “severely affected” by the storm that caused widespread flooding in Luzon, especially in the Bicol region.

Also, the death toll caused by Kristine rose to 81, with 66 injured and 34 missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) added.

“Iyong 81 reported casualties, ito ay galing sa regional offices ng Office of Civil Defense. Iyan naman ay ive-verify pa ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at isu-submit nila sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (The 81 casualties were reported by our regional offices. That will still be verified by the PNP, who would submit it to the DILG),” Nepomuceno said.

On the new storm Leon, PAGASA said it will enter the PAR either on Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

The weather bureau said that Leon’s center is 1,630 kilometers east of Central Luzon, still far from the PAR, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center, with gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Earlier, PAGASA said Leon can make Kristine loop back to the PAR in what is called the “Fujiwara” effect.

(PHOTO FROM PNA)