16 areas now under storm signals

MT Satellite image November 11, 2013, Monday, 11:30 a.m. Screengrab from https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines – More areas were placed under storm signals as tropical depression “Zoraida” maintained its strength as it moved west northwest, the state weather bureau said midday Monday.

The tropical depression was last observed 830 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

The following areas were placed under Signal No. 1:

Dinagat Province, Siargao Island, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte including Samal Island, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin Island, Siquijor, Southern Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Southern Negros Occidental.

Negros Occidental was recently placed under state of calamity because of “Yolanda,” one of the strongest typhoons in world history.

Bohol, meanwhile, is still reeling from the effects of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake last month. It was not directly affected by the recent typhoon although it also experienced rains.

During Signal No. 1, sea travel of small seacrafts and fishing boats is risky.

Rice in flowering stage may suffer significant damage in areas under Signal No. 1. Some nipa and cogon houses may be partially unroofed, Pagasa said.

“Zoraida” packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center. It was forecast to move west northwest at 30 kph.

The tropical depression was forecast 160 kilometers east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur by Tuesday morning and in the vicinity of Cuyo or 130 km west of Iloilo City by Wednesday morning.

By Thursday morning, it was expected to be at 650 km west of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Originally posted: 8:16 am | Monday, November 11th, 2013