MANILA -- Tropical depression (TD) "Kiko" has maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph, state weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wednesday morning.
PAGASA's latest weather bulletin indicates "Kiko" was last eyed 100 km northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, or 95 km west southwest of Basco, Batanes. It is traversing the Balintang Channel at 20 kph.
Tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 was raised over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands.
Residents of these areas and those in northern Luzon are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides caused by moderate to heavy rains.
Fisherfolks are also advised not to venture out over the seaboard of northern Luzon.
Meanwhile, rains and gusty winds may also prevail over Ilocos and Zambales due to "Kiko". This may cause flash floods over low-lying areas and landslides over mountainous areas, according to PAGASA.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers.
PAGASA expects "Kiko" to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday night. (PNA)
