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“AGATON” to Bring Rains in Visayas

Satpic from PAGASA showing Tropical Depression Agaton 11:32 a.m. January 17, 2014.
Satpic from PAGASA showing Tropical Depression Agaton 11:32 a.m. January 17, 2014.

The low pressure area southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar has developed into Tropical Depression “Agaton” according to the tropical cyclone warning of the state weather bureau.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a tropical cyclone warning at 10:00 a.m. locating Agaton at 260 km southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar or 130 km northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Agaton is packed with winds 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move southwest at 5 kph toward Eastern Mindanao.

Public storm warning Signal #1 is raised in the following areas:

  • Surigao del Norte including Siargao Islands
  • Surigao del Sur
  • Dinagat Province
  • Agusan del Norte
  • Agusan del Sur
  • Davao Oriental
  • Compostela Valley

According to the bulletin, Agaton will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over Eastern and Central Visayas. Estimated rainfall is about 5 – 15 mm per hour within the 300 km diameter of the tropical depression.

PAGASA also warned that sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Luzon, Visayas, and CARAGA Region.

It is likely that Agaton will bring more rain in areas in Mindanao already affected by continuous rain in the previous days.

Also, sea and air travel will be affected. Flights are expected to be delayed or canceled. Everyone is advised to check the status of their flights with their respective airlines.