MANILA, Philippines—Typhoon “Ruby” (international name: Hagupit) has gained strength as it makes headway to the country, packing maximum sustained winds at 205 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph, the state weather bureau said on Thursday.
In the latest weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) at 5 p.m, typhoon “Ruby” was located 720 km east of Surigao City. “Ruby” also slowed down, moving in a west northwest direction at 15 kph.
With its current speed, “Ruby” is expected to make landfall in Northern or Eastern Samar on Saturday afternoon and expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Tuesday afternoon.
Pagasa has raised typhoon signal number 2 in the following areas: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Island and Siargao Island.
While signal number 1 was raised in Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Ticao Island, Northern Cebu, Bantayan Island, Camotes Island, Bohol, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Camiguin Island and Agusan del Norte.
Pagasa has warned that “Ruby” will dump moderate to heavy rains within 24 to 36 hours in areas where public storm warning signal numbers 1 and 2 have been raised.
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