Tropical depression ‘Juaning’ slows down, approaches Isabela, Aurora

MANILA, Philippines—Expect more heavy rains in the afternoon in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces as Tropical depression “Juaning” slows down and nears the coastlines of Isabela and Aurora, said Undersecretary Graciano Yumul of the Department of Science and Technology on Tuesday morning.

In an interview with co-anchors Jay Sonsa and Den Macaranas of “Tapatan” on 990 AM Radyo Inquirer, Yumul said “Juaning’s” diameter is 400 kms, which means it will bring more heavy rains and cause floods in surrounding provinces.

“Because of its wide diameter it has reached Metro Manila. We strongly advise that Ro-Ro operations in Masbate, Catanduanes and Samar must be stopped. Fishermen in Eastern Visayas and Eastean Mindanao are likewise warned not to go out,” Yumul added.

The Philippine Atmospheric , Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) website issued at 5 a.m. that the center of “Juaning” is 130 kms northeast  of Virac, Catanduanes. Its strength has maximum winds of 55 kph near the center and is moving west northwest at 17 kph.

Yumul said “Juaning” will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday morning, passing by Laoag City and Basco, Batanes.

“But there’s a possibility that will become a tropical storm before it leaves,” he added.

Pagasa posted the following provinces are under Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Cagayan, Isabela, Ifugao, Mt. Province, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Polillo Island, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte.

For updates, listen to 990 AM Radyo Inquirer.