‘Samuel’ keeps strength as it nears landfall in Eastern Visayas

Tropical Depression “Samuel” continues to move closer towards the Dinagat-Samar-Leyte areas on Tuesday morning as it maintains strength, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

As of 7 a.m., the eye of the Samuel was spotted at 350 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

Samuel is packing maximum sustained winds 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness up to 65 kph.

Pagasa said that it was expected to make landfall over the area of Dinagat-Samar-Leyte on Tuesday night.

Heavy rain will be experienced in the Visayas, the Bicol Region and the provinces of Marinduque, Romblon, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands caused by the weather disturbance.

Typhoon signal warning number 1 is still raised over 28 areas in the country.

Samuel is forecast to be in the vicinity of Mactan, Cebu, by Wednesday and may exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday, Pagasa said. /cbb