All storm signal warnings lowered as ‘Ramon’ moves away

MANILA, Philippines—All storm signal warnings were lowered as Tropical Depression Ramon continued to move away from the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Thursday.

In its 5 pm weather bulletin, Pagasa said that as of 4 pm, Ramon was seen 270 km west of Metro Manila and was still packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center.

Though signal warnings have been lowered, Pagasa said that fishing boats and small ships should still not sail since storm surges are still possible. By Friday afternoon, Ramon was forecast to be 450 km west of Vigan, Ilocos Sur and by Saturday afternoon, the tropical depression was expected to be 850 km west of Laoag City.

Ramon left nine dead: two in Romblon, four in Iloilo, two in Cebu and one in Butuan, authorities said.