(Eagle News)– “Agaton” maintained its strength as it threatened the Caraga region on Monday night.
As of 7 p.m., the center of the tropical depression was 145 kilometers north northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
“Agaton” was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kilometers per hour, and is forecast to move west at 19 kilometers per hour.
“Agaton” is expected to make landfall over Caraga area tonight or tomorrow early morning.
Signal Number 1 has been hoisted over southern Leyte, Bohol, southern Cebu, Siquijor, southern Negros Oriental, southern Negros Occidental, Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Island, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, Compostela Valley, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Camiguin, and Bukidnon.
“Scattered to widespead moderate to heavy rains are expected over Bicol Region, Visayas, Caraga, Davao region, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and North Cotabato within 24 hours,” the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
PAGASA added residents of these areas must undertake precautionary measures against possible flooding and landslides, and coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management.
“Sea travel is risky over the areas under Signal Number 1 and in the seaboards of Northern Luzon and Southern Luzon, eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, and eastern and western seaboard of Visayas due to the surge of the Northeast Monsoon,” PAGASA said.