LPA off Mindanao now TD Querubin

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical depression Querubin will bring heavy to intense rainfall over parts of the country as it hovers over the east of Mindanao before weakening, according to state weather forecasters.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the cyclone was carrying wind speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1, the highest to be raised over Querubin’s passage, has been hoisted over Davao Oriental.

Querubin is bringing heavy to intense rains of around 100 to 200 millimeters over the Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran until tomorrow afternoon.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 mm is expected over Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Bukidnon and Camiguin.

The same amount of rain is forecast over Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

The state weather bureau warned of localized flooding and possible landslides in highly susceptible areas.

Querubin was estimated at 215 kilometers east southeast of Davao City or 245 kilometers east of General Santos City as of 4 p.m., as it moves southeastward slowly.

It is forecast to turn northward by today and could traverse Mindanao and the Palawan area until Sunday as a weakened remnant.

It could intensify again into a tropical depression after traversing these areas, PAGASA said.