‘Samuel’ makes landfall 5 times, weakens
Tropical depression “Samuel” has made landfall at least five times as it traversed Visayas on its way toward the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) monitored Samuel making landfall over Borongan, Eastern Samar (2 a.m.); Daram, Samar (4 a.m.); Caibiran, Biliran (5 a.m.); Calubian, Leyte (5:30 a.m.); and Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo (9 a.m.) on Wednesday.
Samuel slightly weakened after making a landfall, from
having maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 65 kph upon landfall, it now has maximum winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 65 kph.
At around 11 a.m. Wednesday, PAGASA lifted tropical cyclone warning Signal No. 1 in many areas but remains hoisted over Romblon, southern parts of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Calamian Island, Cuyo islands, northern parts of Cebu and Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.
Moderate to heavy rains, which could trigger flooding and landslides are still expected over Southern Luzon, Western Visayas, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.
PAGASA advised residents in these areas, especially those living near river channels, low-lying and mountainous areas, to take extra precaution.
It also advised fisherfolk not to set sail along the coastlines of areas under Signal No. 1 and along the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon due to rough to very rough seas that will be dangerous for small sea crafts.
Samuel was in the vicinity of Leganes, Iloilo before Wednesday noon. It is moving west-southwest and faster at 40 kph.
PAGASA weather specialist Nikos Peñaranda said Samuel will likely leave the country’s area of responsibility by Thursday evening or Friday morning.
Areas earlier affected by the cyclone can expect gradual improvement in weather condition by Thursday, he added.
Another cyclone
Meanwhile, PAGASA is monitoring another cyclone east of the country but it is still outside the area of responsibility on Wednesday.
Peñaranda said the tropical storm with international name “Man-yi” was estimated at 2,950 kilometers east of Mindanao.
It has maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph, moving west-northwest at 20 kph.
He said Man-yi has a slim chance of entering the country’s vicinity as of the moment but PAGASA will continue to monitor the weather disturbance for significant development.