Low-pressure area intensifies

MANILA, Philippines - Eight areas in the Visayas and Mindanao have been placed under public storm warning signal (PSWS) no. 1 as the low-pressure area (LPA) near Surigao City intensified into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported yesterday.

Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that the latest weather disturbance developed into a tropical depression yesterday afternoon. “Urduja” is the 21st tropical cyclone to hit the country.

Placed under PSWS no. 1 are Leyte, southern Leyte, eastern Samar and western Samar in the Visayas and Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Siargao, and Dinagat Islands in Mindanao.