The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration on Monday raised tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 in several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao ahead of the expected landfall of tropical depression “Samuel” Tuesday night.
Signal No. 1 was raised over areas that will be directly affected by Samuel – Masbate, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.
Signal No. 1 was also expected to be raised within Monday over Northern Samar, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras.
PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the tropical cyclone has maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 65 kph, but moving faster at 25 kph northwest.
It may intensify into a tropical storm prior to landfall as the center of Samuel is expected hit Eastern Visayas or Caraga Tuesday evening, Aurelio said. Shortly before Monday evening, Samuel was 505 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
PAGASA warned of moderate to heavy rains that may trigger flooding and landslides over Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Negros Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.
Residents, especially those living near or in river channels, low-lying and mountainous areas, were advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring PAGASA weather updates.
Fisherfolk and those with small seacraft were asked not to set sail into the coastlines of areas under Signal No. 1 as well as into the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)
