Storm signal 1 hoisted over 13 areas in Visayas, Mindanao

PAGASA Track as of 8 p.m., 06 November 2013

MANILA, Philippines—Thirteen areas in the Visayas and Mindanao have been placed under storm signal No. 1 after supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday midnight, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said signal 1 was raised in the following areas:

n  Visayas: (Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran Island and Camotes Island)

n  Mindanao: (Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and northern part of Agusan del Sur )

The typhoon was last observed 888 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Yolanda packed maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph. It is forecast to move rapidly west northwest at 30 kph.

Sea travel is risky over the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.

Yolanda will bring heavy rains within its 600-kilometer diameter. It is forecast to make landfall over Eastern Visayas on Friday.