Tropical Depression ‘Samuel’ to make landfall on Wednesday

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasters said tropical cyclone warning signals might be hoisted over some provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao with Tropical Depression “Samuel” already within the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

The weather bureau has warned of heavy rains that could trigger floods and landslides starting on Monday
in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao.

Pagasa forecaster Ariel Rojas said Samuel was anticipated to make landfall somewhere in the Caraga region on Wednesday and exit PAR on Friday.

Rojas said there was a low chance that the tropical depression would intensify into a storm.

“Moderate to heavy rains which may trigger flooding and landslides may prevail over the Caraga region, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley beginning tomorrow (Monday),” according to Pagasa.

As of 3 p.m. on Sunday, Samuel was estimated at 875 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 65 kph moving west-southwest at 25 kph. —Jeannette I. Andrade