LPA in Mindanao now a tropical depression

PAGASA Track as of 2 a.m., 22 March 2014. https://pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines—Storm alerts were raised in several areas in Mindanao and the Visayas on Friday after a low-pressure area swirling east of southern Philippines developed into a tropical depression.

Storm Signal No. l was raised over the northern parts of Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Dinagat islands; Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin as Tropical Depression “Caloy” moved closer to northeastern Mindanao.

In the Visayas, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Siquijor, southern Cebu, and the southern parts of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental were also placed under Signal No. 1, which indicates wind strengths of 30 to 60 kilometers per hour predicted in the next 36 hours.

As of 4 p.m. on Friday, Caloy was observed 170 kilometers east-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing peak sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.  It was forecast to move westward at 11 kph.

Forecasters warned residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals to be alert for flash floods and landslides.

Already, 3,387 families in Asuncion, Davao del Norte, and Nabunturan in Compostela Valley were reportedly affected by flooding. About 330 families in these towns evacuated to safer ground.

The depression could bring moderate to heavy rainfall, at 5 to 15 millimeters per hour, within its 300-km diameter, forecasters said.

Based on the bureau’s 24-hour weather outlook, the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental will have rains with gusty winds and moderate to rough seas. With a report from Inquirer Mindanao

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