Storm signals up over 23 areas due to ‘Basyang’

The center of Tropical Storm ‘Basyang’ can be seen closer to the eastern section of Mindanao in this satellite photo released by Pagasa on Monday before noon, Feb. 12, 2018. PAGASA PHOTO

Signal No. 2 was raised over Surigao del Sur midday Monday as Tropical Storm “Basyang” (international name Sanba) moved closer to the Caraga region.

The storm also slowed down west northwest at 22 kilometers per hour, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over southern portion of Samar, southern portion of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Camiguin, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, and northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte.

Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rain is expected over Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region and Zamboanga Peninsula within 24 hours. Pagasa also warned of possible flooding and landslides in these areas.

Basyang is expected to make landfall over the Caraga region on Tuesday morning.

Sea travel remained dangerous over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and areas under storm signals.

The storm was last spotted 620 kilometers east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, blowing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph. /cbb