At least 27 areas have started to feel the effects of tropical depression “Marce” even before its expected landfall over Surigao del Norte this afternoon or tonight.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration estimated the location of Marce at 105 kilometers north-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at around 1 p.m. yesterday, prompting PAGASA to hoist tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 over Romblon, Cuyo Island, Biliran, southern part of Samar, southern part of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Bantayan and Camotes Islands, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.
Marce has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 55 kph and moving 19 kph towards Surigao del Sur.
Rains with gusty winds will prevail over areas under Signal No. 1. PAGASA advised residents in these areas of possible floods and landslides.
Meanwhile, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms is expected over the Bicol region, Palawan, and the rest of Visayas and of Mindanao while and partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.
PAGASA said rough to very rough seas will persist over Batanes, Calayan Island, Babuyan Islands, northern coast of Cagayan, and northern coast of Ilocos Norte.
It warned fishing boats and other small sea craft not to venture out into the sea, while larger sea vessels were alerted against big waves generated by the tropical depression. (ELLALYN B. DE VERA)