Kabayan exits PAR, LPA off east Mindanao develops into Tropical Depression Liwayway

MANILA, Philippines — The low pressure area off east Mindanao intensified into a tropical depression and is now locally named “Liwayway.”

This was after Tropical Depression Kabayan left the Philippine area of responsibility at 6 a.m. on Sunday.

At 10 a.m., "Liwayway" was estimated 405 kilometers east-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or 510 km east of Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

It packs maximum sustained winds of 45 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

The tropical depression moves northwest at 45 kph and is seen to head towards east of Virac, Catanduanes on Monday.

PAGASA weather specialist Gener Quitlong said "Liwayway" is less likely to make a landfall and is expected to exit PAR by Thursday.

Quitlong added that "Liwayway" will intensify into a tropical storm in the coming days.

Its trough or extension is expected to bring scattered light to moderate rains with at times heavy rainshowers over Caraga and Davao Region.

“Residents of these areas, especially those living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to floods and rain-induced landslides, are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates, especially the Thunderstorm / Rainfall Advisories and Heavy Rainfall Warnings to be issued by PAGASA Regional Services Divisions,” PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, "Kabayan" which already exited PAR, is still seen to develop into a tropical storm as it moves westward towards the southern China-northern Vietnam area. — Rosette Adel