Tropical depression “Samuel” made landfall at least five times as it traversed Visayas on its way towards the West Philippine Sea Wednesday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration monitored Samuel making landfall over Borongan, Eastern Samar (2 a.m.); Daram, Samar (4 a.m.); Caibiran, Biliran (5 a.m.); Calubian, Leyte (5:30 a.m.); and Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo (9 a.m.).
Samuel slightly weakened after making landfall, from having maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 65 kph to maximum winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 65 kph.
PAGASA has lifted tropical cyclone warning Signal No. 1 in most areas but it remains hoisted over Romblon, southern parts of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Calamian and Cuyo Group of Islands, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique as of Wednesday afternoon.
Moderate to heavy rains, which could trigger flooding and landslides, are still expected over Calamian and Cuyo Group of Islands, Aurora, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Panay Island, and Guimaras.
PAGASA advised residents, especially those living near river channels, low-lying, and mountainous areas, to take extra precaution.
It also advised fisherfolk not to set sail on the coastlines of areas under Signal No. 1 and on the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon due to rough to very rough seas that will be dangerous for small sea crafts.
Samuel was 65 kilometers south-southeast of Cuyo Island or over the Sulu Sea shortly before Wednesday evening, moving west and slightly slower at 30 kph.
PAGASA weather specialist Nikos Peñaranda said Samuel will likely leave the country’s area of responsibility Thursday evening or Friday morning.
Areas earlier affected by the tropical cyclone can expect gradual improvement in weather condition by Thursday, he added. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)