'Lawin' intensifies - Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm “Lawin” has slightly intensified while moving slowly over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said public storm warning signal number 2 was hoisted over Eastern Samar.

On the other hand, storm warning signal number 1 was raised in Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.

In its bulletin, the weather bureau said the eye of Lawin was estimated at 405 kilometers east of Borongan, Samar with maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph. It was forecast to move north-northwest slowly.

It is expected to be 415 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes tomorrow and 470 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora by Tuesday afternoon.

Residents in low-lying areas under storm warning signals were alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

The weather bureau also advised residents living near coastal areas to be vigilant for possible storm surges.

4 dams release water

Meanwhile, four dams in Central and Northern Luzon have opened their floodgates Friday afternoon to release excess water due to heavy rains spawned by Lawin.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos said the Angat and Ipo dams in Bulacan, Binga dam in Benguet, and Magat dam in Ifugao-Isabela have started releasing excess water.

Ramos said the release of excess water was gradual so as not to cause flooding in low-lying communities.

PCG suspends sea travel

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended yesterday all sea travel in areas under public storm warning signals.

PCG spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo said all seacraft, including fishing and passenger vessels in provinces with storm warning signals, are prohibited from venturing out to sea.

Balilo said they also received reports of stranded passengers in areas affected by the suspension of sea travel.

The PCG also ordered all command centers in Bicol and other typhoon-affected areas to monitor possible maritime mishaps. – With Jaime Laude, Janvic Mateo