Agaton slows down, to linger for 3 to 4 days – Pagasa
MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image 5:32 p.m., 19 January 2014
MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Depression Agaton has slowed down but maintained its strength as it barreled further southwest of Mindanao, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Sunday.
In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, Pagasa said “Agaton” was plotted at 215 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur or at 220 kilometers east of Davao City at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Agaton maintained its strength at 55 kilometers per hour near the center but slowed down at five kilometers per hour as it moved southwest, the bulletin read.
In explaining why Agaton remained almost stationary, Pagasa forecaster Gener Quitlong told a radio station that this was due to two high pressure areas in the east and the west.
“Because of the two high pressure areas, Agaton can hardly move and would linger over Mindanao for three to four days. We hope that when it makes landfall in Davao it would break up,” he said.
Agaton is expected to make landfall in Davao City Monday afternoon, Pagasa said.
By Tuesday afternoon, Agaton is set to be 60 kilometers southeast of General Santos City, it added.
The tropical depression is expected be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility or at 205 kilometers southwest of General Santos City Wednesday afternoon, the bulletin read.
Signal No. 1 is raised over Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Compostela Valley, Pagasa said.
A state of calamity has been declared over affected areas where the total number of casualties has reached at least 41.
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