TROPICAL Depression Samuel made landfall in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, around 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The tropical depression was still packing maximum winds of 45 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center while moving west southwest at 40 km/h.

Pagasa lifted Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 over Masbate including Ticao Island, Biliran, Leyte, Samar provinces and Mindanao areas.

TCWS Number 1, however, remained hoisted over Romblon, southern Oriental Mindoro, southern Occidental Mindoro, Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo group of islands, northern Cebu, northern Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.

Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes will experience moderate to heavy rains, which may trigger flooding and landslides, said Pagasa.

It added that the Samuel was forecast to traverse Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Thursday morning, November 22. It may exit the Philippine area of responsibility between Thursday evening and Friday morning, November 23.

Fisherfolk and those with small seacraft were advised not to venture out over the areas under TCWS number 1, as well as the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon.

Meanwhile, motor banca trips from and to Iloilo and Guimaras have not yet been cancelled. The Philippine Coast Guard said it will issue a cancellation if sea travel is dangerous. (CLC/SunStar Philippines)