Agaton slows down; 6 provinces signal #1

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MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – Tropical Depression Agaton (Lingling) continues its slow west southwest movement toward the southern tip of Mindanao, but maintains its strength on Sunday evening, January 19. Six provinces remain under public storm warning signal number 1.

In its latest weather bulletin, state weather bureau PAGASA said that Agaton is moving west southwest at 5 km/h, slower than its 7 km/h speed on Sunday morning.

At 10 pm Sunday, Agaton was located at 180 km southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or at 175 km east of Davao City. It still packs maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center.

The following areas remain under signal number 1:

• Surigao del Sur
• Agusan del Sur
• Davao Oriental
• Compostela Valley
• Davao del Norte
• Davao del Sur

Agaton is expected to bring moderate to heavy amounts of rainfall, at 5 to 15 mm/h, within the 300-km diameter of the tropical depression. Moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms are also expected over northern Mindanao and the rest of the Caraga Region.

Sea travel remains to be risky in the waters off Luzon, Visayas and Caraga Region, the bureau added.

The death toll due to the tropical depression remains at 40, according to the latest report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). (READ: Agaton death toll: At least 40)

A total of 21 areas have declared a state of calamity:

• the province of Lanao del Norte
• Iligan City
• 1 city and 4 towns in Davao del Norte: Tagum City, Asuncion, Carmen, Kapalong, and New Corella
• 6 towns in Davao Oriental: Baganga, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, Manay, and Tarragona
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
• 3 towns in Agusan del Sur: Bunawan, Sibagat, and Sta. Josefa
• 1 city and 3 towns in Surigao del Sur: Bislig City, Liang, San Miguel, and Tago

The system is seen to be at 100 kms southeast of Davao City, or at 160 km east northeast of General Santos City, South Cotabato, by Monday evening.

By Tuesday evening, Agaton is expected to be at 30 kms northeast of General Santos City.

Agaton would be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday evening, when it is 160 kms west southwest of General Santos City, said PAGASA.

The next weather bulletin regarding tropical depression Agaton will be issued at 5 am on Monday, January 20. – 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.