12 areas under Signal No. 1 as ‘Samuel’ keeps strength

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve areas in the Visayas and Mindanao have been placed under Signal No. 1 on Monday morning due to Tropical Depression Samuel, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over southern Leyte, Leyte, southern portion of Samar, southern portion of Eastern Samar, Bohol, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin.

Residents of these areas may expect winds of 30 to 60 kilometers per hour or intermittent rains within 36 hours.

"Samuel"—the 19th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine area of responsibility and the first this month—was last seen 605 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gusts of up to 65 kph.

Moving northwest at 15 kph, Samuel is expected to make landfall Tuesday night.

The state weather bureau warned that the tropical depression may develop into a tropical storm prior to landfall.

Moderate to heavy rains which may trigger flooding and landslides may occur over the regions of Caraga and Eastern Visayas, and the provinces of Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bohol and Cebu, it said.

Fisherfolks and those with small sea vessels are advised not to venture out over the areas under Signal No. 1 and the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA also said it might raise Signal No. 1 over Biliran, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros provinces in the next severe weather bulletin to be issued at 5 p.m. today.

Forecast positions

• Tuesday morning: 245 km east northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
• Wednesday morning: In the vicinity of San Lorenzo, Guimaras 
• Thursday morning: 255 km northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Friday morning: 725 km west northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Pala (Outside PAR)

— Gaea Katreena Cabico