‘Kiko’ lashes Batanes on way out of PAR

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Batanes as Tropical Depression Kiko crossed Balintang Channel early Wednesday.

Kiko maintained its strength at 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 65 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

It was moving northwest at 20 kph.

Kiko is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday evening.

The tropical cyclone was last located 95 kilometers west of Basco, Batanes. Moderate to heavy rain is expected within its 250-kilometer diameter.

Residents of Northern Luzon especially those in Batanes were alerted by Pagasa against possible flashfloods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.

Small seacraft were also advised not to venture out over the seaboards of Northern Luzon. CBB