MT Satellite image January 31, 2014, 12:32 a.m. Screengrab from https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/
MANILA, Philippines—Four more provinces were placed under Signal No. 1, bringing to nine the number of provinces under the first alert, as Tropical Depression Basyang maintained its strength with maximum wind speed of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, the state weather bureau said in its Thursday late night bulletin.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Basyang moved closer to land and was spotted at 969 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, as of 10 p.m. Thursday.
Besides Surigao del Norte (including Siargao Island), Surigao del Sur, Dinagat province, Misamis Oriental and Southern Leyte, which were placed earlier Thursday under Signal 1, Pagasa raised the first signal in Agusan del Norte, Camiguin island Southern Bohol and the northern part of Agusan del Sur.
According to Pagasa, “Basyang” is expected to make landfall in the Surigao provinces late Friday evening or early Saturday morning.
Pagasa added that “Basyang” would be out of the Philippine area of responsibility by Sunday evening.
RELATED STORIES:
Signal No. 1 up in 5 provinces as ‘Basyang’ nears PH
Moderate rains in Cebu as tropical depression Basyang enters PH today