Agaton: Heavy rain over Haiyan areas

Rappler.com

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(UPDATED) As of Saturday afternoon, PAGASA predicts Agaton to remain almost stationary. It is forecast to still be in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur Monday afternoon

MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image 3:32 p.m., January 18, 2014. Image courtesy of PAGASA.

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Barely recovering from the effects of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the southern portions of Eastern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and the eastern portions of Leyte may be in for another setback as Tropical Depression Agaton, according to Weather Philippines, threatens to bring “heavy to extreme” rains over these areas.

State weather bureau PAGASA said that although Agaton is not expected to directly hit the Visayas, the effects of the storm will still be felt. PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the islands of Samar and Leyte should brace for possible landslides and flooding because of Agaton.

In its forecast released Friday, Weather Philippines also said that Agaton has the potential of becoming a “significant Tropical Cyclone within the next 24 hours,” meaning Saturday, January 18.

Agaton is also expected to produce moderate to heavy rainfall across Eastern and Central Visayas, and Northeastern Mindanao, especially along the coastal and mountainous areas. 

Northern Caraga, according to Weather Philippines, should also prepare for moderate to heavy rains while Surigao del Norte, Dinagat and Siargao Islands can expect heavy to extreme rains. Moderate to heavy rain is also expected in the northern part of northern Mindanao. 

Residents along the danger areas were advised to take precautionary measures against flashfloods and landslides. Seas around these areas, according to the forecast, will remain “rough and dangerous.”

PAGASA said rainfall within the 300-kilometer diameter of the tropical depression will be at 5-15 millimeters per hour.

From 8 provinces Saturday morning, PAGASA placed 7 areas under storm signal number 1 (winds of 30-60 km/h expected in at least 36 hours). Signal no. 1 over Southern Leyte has been lowered. 

  1. Surigao del Norte including Siargao Is.
  2. Surigao del Sur 
  3. Dinagat Province
  4. Agusan del Norte
  5. Agusan del Sur
  6. Davao Oriental
  7. Compostella Valley

In its 5 pm January 18 weather bulletin, PAGASA said Agaton was located 185 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or at 305 km Southeast of Surigao City, and has maintained its strength as it moved southeastward. Agaton packs maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, and has been predicted to remain almost stationary.

Based on the bulletin and map, Agaton appears to be headed in the direction of General Santos City.

According to PAGASA, Agaton is expected to be 185 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur by Sunday afternoon. By Monday afternoon, PAGASA said the tropical depression will be 150 km southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, and 100 km southeast of Davao City by Tuesday afternoon.

Agaton is expected to lose strength during landfall, Weather Philippines said, and will weaken further into a low pressure area in 24 hours. – Rappler.com

Help report critical information such as flooding, road or building damage, or those who need rescue or assistance using the Project Agos disaster information map. Rappler’s MovePH team will monitor the map and alert the relevant local authorities.

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