Tropical depression maintains strength

Tropical Depression “Urduja” maintained its strength as it continued to move in a north northwest direction midday Wednesday.

Urduja packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 65 kph. It moved north northwest at 7 kph.

Scattered to widespread rains are expected over Visayas and the Bicol region in the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The state weather bureau also warned small seacraft not to venture over the eastern seaboard of Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Caraga due to moderate to rough seas caused by Urduja.

Urduja was last located 405 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.