`Wilma’ hits land; more areas placed under storm signal

MT Satellite image November 4, 2013, Monday, 1:00 PM. Screengrab from https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines–More areas were placed under storm signal No. 1 as tropical depression ‘‘Wilma’’ made landfall over Tandag City in Surigao del Sur midday Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the following areas in the Visayas and Mindanao were under storm Signal No. 1:

Visayas–southern parts of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, southern Cebu, Siquijor,

Bohol, and Southern Leyte.

Mindanao–Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island, Surigao Del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur , Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin Island, and northern part of Zamboanga del Norte.

Areas under Signal No. 1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Joey Figuracion of Pagasa said Wilma is expected to intensify on Wednesday.

The tropical depression was last observed 75 km north northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is expected to move 19 kilometers per hour westward.

By Thursday, it is expected to exit the Philippines area of responsibility.