‘Amang’ slows down, continues path toward Eastern Visayas

By: Bong Lozada - 9 years ago

The track of Tropical Storm Amang. Photo courtesy of Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines–Tropical Storm Amang (International name: Mekkhala) has slowed down as it continues its path toward Eastern Visayas, a stop in the five-day Philippine visit of Pope Francis, the weather bureau said.

Good news, though, “Amang” is unlikely to make landfall while the Pontiff is in the country.

In its 11 a.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that “Amang” is moving west at a pace of 15 kilometers per hour.

“Amang” is expected to weaken as it gets closer to Philippine landmass.

As of 10 a.m., “Amang” was spotted at 560 km east of Borongan, Eastern Samar with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gusts of 90 kph.

Signal no.1 is raised over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Burias Island, Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao Island, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran and Leyte.

Pagasa advised that public storm warning signal may be raised in the next six hours over Camarines Norte, Marinduque and the southern part of Quezon.

Pope Francis is on the second-day of his five-day visit to the Philippines and will travel to Tacloban on Saturday to meet with victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).