‘Samuel’ heading towards Cuyo, Palawan — Pagasa

Tropical Depression “Samuel” is currently over the Sulu Sea and is headed towards the Cuyo archipelago in Palawan, the state weather bureau said Wednesday afternoon.

In its 5 p.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that it last spotted Samuel 65 kilometers South Southeast of Cuyo, Palawan.

It is moving in a west direction with a speed of 30 kilometers per hour (kph).

Pagasa said the tropical depression packs a maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness of up to 60 kph.

The state weather bureau said that the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) 1 over Northern Negros Occidental has been lifted.

However, TCWS 1 are still raised over Romblon, Southern Occidental Mindoro, southern Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Groups of Islands, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.

Pagasa advised the public to stay alert as moderate to heavy rains, which may trigger flooding and landslides, are still expected over Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo groups of islands, Aurora, Quezon, Mindoro Provinces, Panay island, and Guimaras.

“Residents of these areas, especially those living near or in river channels, low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates,” the state weather bureau said.

Pagasa said that Samuel is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Thursday evening and Friday morning. /je