Tropical Storm “Urduja” threatens E. Visayas as it moves slowly in northwest direction

Tropical Storm “Urduja” /PAGASA/

(Eagle News) — Tropical Storm “Urduja” continues to threaten Eastern Visayas particularly Samar as it moved slowly in a northwest direction.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that as of 10 a.m., the center of “Urduja” was 240 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

“Urduja” is packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kilometers per hour.

It is expected to make landfall over the Northern Samar-Eastern Samar area between Saturday morning and afternoon.

Signal No. 2 is up over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran, while Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Romblon, and Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Cebu, Capiz, Aklan, and Northern Iloilo, Dinagat Islands.

Estimated rainfall amount within the 500-kilometer diameter of the tropical storm is from moderate to heavy.

PAGASA said scattered to widespread rains, meanwhile, will continue over Eastern Visayas  and Caraga, and are expected to prevail over Bicol Region and the rest of Visayas within 24 hours.

“Residents of these areas must undertake appropriate measures against flooding and landslides and coordinate with their respective local government and disaster risk reduction and management offices.
Sea travel remains risky over the eastern seaboards of Bicol Region and of Visayas due to the approaching tropical storm,” PAGASA said.