AT LEAST 17 areas in Visayas and Mindanao, including Cebu, have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 as Tropical Depression Samuel accelerated while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea Monday afternoon, November 19.
TCWS Number 1 has been raised over Masbate, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.
The same warning signal might also be hoisted over Northern Samar, Capiz, Iloilo and Guimaras Monday evening, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in its 5 p.m. Monday advisory.
The weather bureau said Samuel is expected to make landfall over the Eastern Visayas-Caraga area Tuesday afternoon or evening, November 20.
As of 4 p.m. Monday, the center of the tropical depression was located at 505 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (km/h0 near the center and gusts of up to 65 km/h.
It is moving northwest at 25 km/h, said Pagasa.
The weather bureau warned residents in Caraga, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and the provinces of Negros Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin against flooding and landslides, saying Samuel will bring moderate to heavy rains.
"Residents of these areas, especially those living near or in river channels, low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates," it said.
Fisherfolk and those with small seacraft were also advised not to venture out over the areas under TCWS Number 1 and the eastern and southern seaboards of Mindanao.
Pagasa said that Samuel may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday afternoon, November 23. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)