Typhoon ‘Dindo’ maintains strength, no storm signals raised

Typhoon “Dindo” (international name Lion Heart) has maintained its strength by midday Thursday, the state weather bureau said.

The typhoon packed maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 195 kph. It moved southwest at 7 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Dindo was last tracked 1,005 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

No storm signals were raised. Dindo is not expected to have a direct effect on the country, Pagasa said.

READ: Little chance of landfall for Typhoon ‘Dindo’ — Pagasa

Moderate to heavy rains are seen within the 400 kilometer diameter of the typhoon.

Dindo is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Sunday, Pagasa said. CDG/rga