TROPICAL Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) 2 has been raised in Bohol, southern Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, southern Negros Occidental, and Southern Leyte in the Visayas due to Tropical Storm Basyang (international name Sanba), the state weather bureau said.

In its 8 a.m. weather bulletin Tuesday, February 13, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Basyang was spotted at 80 kilometers Northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is expected to make landfall between Surigao and Dinagat provinces.

Pagasa said Basyang has maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts up to 80 kph.

Areas also placed under TCWS 2 in Mindanao are Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, and northern section of Bukidnon.

Pagasa has also raised TCWS 1 in Luzon which include Palawan including Calamian Group of Islands and southern section of Masbate. In the Visayas, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, rest of Negros Occidental, rest of Cebu, Leyte, Biliran, Samar, and Eastern Samar.

Also areas in Mindanao under TCWS 1 are Zamboanga del Sur, northern section of Zamboanga del Norte, northern northern section of Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, rest of Bukidnon, North Cotabato, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, and northern section of Davao Oriental.

Basyang is expected to move Northwest at 25 kph. Sea travel remains risky over the seaboards of Northern Luzon. (SunStar Philippines)