(Eagle News) — “Vinta” slightly accelerated on Thursday afternoon, as it continued to move westward toward Eastern Mindanao.
In its 2 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the center of the tropical storm was 260 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as of 1 p.m.
“Vinta” was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour, and is forecast to move at 21 kilometers per hour.
Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over Surigao del Norte including. Siargao Islands, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Northern Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.
Southern Leyte, Southern Cebu, Siquijor, Bohol, Southern Negros Occidental and Southern Negros Oriental, Dinagat Island, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Rest of Davao Oriental, Northern Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte are under Signal No. 1.
“Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains are expected over Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region and Northern Mindanao within 24 hours,” PAGASA said.
It said residents in these areas must take the “appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides, coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates.”
PAGASA added sea travel was “risky over the seaboards of areas under tropical cyclone warning signal.”