’Samuel’ enters Philippine area of responsibility

MANILA, Philippines — A tropical depression last located east of Mindanao entered the Philippine area of responsibility on midday Sunday and was named “Samuel.”

Samuel entered the country’s vicinity at 10 a.m., according to state weather bureau PAGASA. Its eye was traced at 980 kilometers east of southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The tropical depression packs maximum winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph. It is expected to move west southwest at 15 kph.

PAGASA said there is no tropical cyclone warning single raised yet as of now. But warning signals may be hoisted for provinces in the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao between tonight and tomorrow morning.

The weather agency warned the residents of CARAGA, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley of moderate to heavy rains which may trigger flooding and landslides on Monday morning.

“Residents of these areas, especially those living near or in river channels, low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates,” PAGASA said.

PAGASA also advised fisherfolk with small seacraft not to venture over the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao due to the approaching tropical cyclone.

Meanwhile, PAGASA also reported that a tropical storm with international name “Toraji” was located at 945 km west of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Sunday morning.—Rosette Adel