“Chedeng” slightly slows down as it moves toward Davao Oriental

(Eagle News)–“Chedeng” has slightly slowed down as it moved westward toward Davao Oriental on Monday, March 18.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said as of  4 p.m., the center of the tropical depression was  285 kilometers east southeast of Davao City.

It is packing maximum winds of up to 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 60 km/h, as it moved at 15 km/h.

“Chedeng” may make landfall over the southeastern coast of Davao Oriental and/ or the eastern coast of Davao Occidental tomorrow morning, and is expected to weaken into a Low Pressure Area while crossing Mindanao, PAGASA said.

So far, Signal No. 1 is hoisted over Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur, Davao City, General Santos City, Davao Occidental, the southern portion of Davao del Norte including Samal Island, eastern portion of North Cotabato, eastern portion of South Cotabato, eastern portion of Sarangani, and the eastern portion of Sultan Kudarat.

Today, scattered to at times widespread moderate to heavy rains will prevail over Caraga and Davao Regions, especially over Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.

Tomorrow, March 19, scattered to at times widespread moderate to heavy rains may be experienced over most parts of Mindanao, especially over portions of Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Bangsamoro, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

“The disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned and residents of the aforementioned areas, especially those living in areas identified to be at high risk of flooding or landslide, are advised to undertake appropriate actions and continue monitoring for updates, including the Heavy Rainfall Warnings and Thunderstorm Advisories issued by PAGASA Regional Services Divisions,” PAGASA said.

It said those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao, as well as the seaboards of areas under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals.