‘Auring’ changes direction slightly, moves closer to Surigao Norte

SCREEN GRAB FROM PAGASA

Tropical depression “Auring” slightly changed its speed and direction as it is now moving toward the province of Surigao del Norte, the state weather bureau said on Sunday afternoon.

In its 2 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Auring was last plotted at 80 km north northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as it moved northwest at 9 kilometers per hour.

It packed maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Auring is still expected to make landfall over Surigao del Sur between Sunday evening and early Monday morning, and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday.

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Provinces, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Guimaras, Southern part of Iloilo, Southern part of Antique, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island, Dinagat Province, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Northern Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Northern and Lanao del Sur.

Pagasa said moderate to heavy rainfall is expected within the 300-km diameter of the tropical depression. It also warned residents of areas under Signal No. 1 and the rest of eastern and central Visayas against possible flash floods and landslides. JE/rga