Signal No. 1 up in two more areas as ‘Urduja’ approaches Samar

Storm Signal No. 1 has been raised in two more areas in the Visayas as tropical depression Urduja approaches Samar Island, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its 11:00 p.m. severe weather bulletin on Wednesday, Pagasa said that Signal No. 1 has been raised over Samar and Northern Samar. The storm signal was raised over Eastern Samar in its earlier bulletin.

Pagasa also warned of scattered to widespread rains are expected over MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas and Mindanao. The state weather bureau alerted residents in these areas against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Fisher folk and small boat operators are also advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

Rainfall amount within Urduja’s 400 kilometer diameter is at moderate to heavy, Pagasa said.

Urduja was last spotted 295 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar as it moves west-northwest at 7 kilometers per hour (kph), according to the state weather bureau.

The tropical depression maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of up 55 kph and gusts of up to 65 kph near the center.

The yellow rainfall warning has also been raised in Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar and Leyte at 10:45 p.m. due to Urduja. Pagasa warned of possible flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.