Tropical Depression Kiko threatens extreme Northern Luzon

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MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Depression Kiko maintained its strength and now poses a threat to extreme Northern Luzon as of late Tuesday afternoon, September 5.

In a bulletin issued 5 pm on Tuesday, PAGASA said Kiko is already 270 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan, moving north northwest at a slightly faster 19 kilometers per hour (km/h) from the previous 17 km/h.

It continues to have maximum winds of 55 km/h and gustiness of up to 65 km/h.

Signal number 1 remains raised over northern Cagayan including the Babuyan Group of Islands, as well as Batanes.

Kiko is expected to pass near extreme Northern Luzon by Tuesday evening, and then be closest to Batanes by Wednesday morning, September 6.

The tropical depression is also bringing moderate to heavy rain to Northern Luzon. Residents should stay on alert for possible flash floods and landslides.

Light to moderate rain is also expected in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao. (READ: #WalangPasok: Class suspensions, Tuesday, September 5)

Because of the tropical depression, sea travel is risky in the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon.

Kiko is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) either late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning, September 7.

– Rappler.com