A LOW-PRESSURE area (LPA) spotted some 650 kilometers off Guian, Eastern Samar has become a tropical depression and is set to bring light to heavy rains to parts of the Visayas this week.
The LPA, now known as Domeng, developed into a tropical depression at 11 a.m. yesterday, said Engr. Alfredo Quiblat, weather chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mactan Station.
The weather advisory prompted the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to monitor flood and landslide-prone areas.
Health officials also reminded the public to protect themselves from the rain by using an umbrella or a raincoat to keep illnesses at bay.
As of yesterday afternoon, Domeng packed maximum winds of up to 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 50 kph.
Even with its strength, it is unlikely to make landfall in any part of the country, but it will bring light to heavy rains to Cebu and the rest of the Visayas starting today, Quiblat said.
TD Domeng could also bring strong winds to the Visayas due to the southwest monsoon winds or Habagat.
Quiblat said that TD Domeng is moving northward and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday.
He advised parents who have children going to school to bring protective gear for their children.
Quiblat also urged those traveling by boat to monitor if there are gale warnings in their destination.
As of yesterday, he said there was still no official confirmation from PAGASA on the onset of the rainy season this month. (JKV, With SJIT Intern Neil Jean Navarro, CNU Intern Jencelee Angela Quirante)