‘Sendong’ weakens slightly after landfall in Surigao Sur–Pagasa

MTSAT ENHANCED IR Satellite Image for 5 pm., 16 December 2011

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Storm “Sendong” weakened slightly after it made landfall in Surigao del Sur Friday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin issued at 5 p.m., Pagasa said that Sendong was seen over the vicinity of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur and was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph.

In a bulletin posted on its official Twitter account, Pagasa said that Sendong made landfall in Surigao Del Sur at around 2:30 p.m.

The tropical storm is forecast to move west-northwest at 22 kph, Pagasa said.

Signal No. 2 remains raised over Surigao Del Norte, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Sur, Dinagat Province, Agusan Provinces, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and Camiguin.

Signal No. 1 meanwhile, is up over Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Siquijor, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Samal Island, Maguindanao, Davao del Sur and Zamboanga Provinces.

All signal warnings elsewhere have been lowered, Pagasa said.

Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas where signal warnings were raised have been alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Likewise, those living along coastal areas are warned against big waves or storm surges that may be generated by Sendong, Pagasa said.

Also, mining operators and small-scale miners were advised to take all necessary precaution against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Fishing boats and other small vessels are advised not to venture out into the sea, Pagasa said.

Rainfall is expected to be heavy and will measure between 10-25 millimeters per hour within the 400-km diameter of Sendong, the state-run weather bureau said.

By Saturday afternoon, Sendong is forecast to be 150 km west-southwest of Iloilo City and by Sunday afternoon,  190 km west-southwest of Puerto Princesa.

Sendong is forecast to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility or 440 km west-northwestward of Puerto Princesa.