(File photo)
MANILA – Tropical Depression Agaton has maintained its strength as it continues to "meander in the vicinity of Samar-Leyte" in the next six to 12 hours before it moves toward the Philippine Sea tonight or tomorrow morning, the weather bureau said.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said moderate to heavy, with at times intense rains will prevail over Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, the northern and central portions of Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, Guimaras, and the northern and central portions of Negros provinces.
Light to moderate, with at times heavy rains will be experienced over Mimaropa Region, Dinagat Islands, Zamboanga del Norte, Quezon, and the rest of the Visayas.
Scattered to widespread flooding, rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas highly susceptible to these hazards.
"Agaton" packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 75 kph, slowly moving eastward.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 remains hoisted over the southern portion of Masbate (Dimasalang, Cawayan, Palanas, Placer, Cataingan, Esperanza, Pio V. Corpuz), Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and the northeastern portion of Cebu (Daanbantayan, Medellin, City of Bogo, Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod) including Camotes Island and Dinagat Islands.
Strong breeze to near gale conditions and rough seas will prevail in these areas, the PAGASA said.
With these, mariners of small sea vessels are advised to remain in port or take shelter, and those operating larger vessels are likewise advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to the sea.
Moderate to rough seas will prevail over the remaining seaboards of the country that are not under any wind signal or gale warning, especially over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao.
These conditions may be risky for those using small seacraft, so mariners are advised to take precautionary measures. (PNA)
