DAVAO CITY (November 18)– The center of Tropical Depression “SAMUEL” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 10:00 AM today.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) indicated in its advisory that Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals may be raised over provinces in the eastern Section of Visayas and of Mindanao.
It also warned of moderate to heavy rains which may trigger flooding and landslides in the Caraga Region, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Residents of these areas, especially those living near or in river channels, low lying and mountainous areas, were advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with their respective disaster risk reduction and management offices and continue with monitoring for updates.
Fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts were advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Visayas and of Mindanao. At 10 a.m., Samuel was 980 kilometers east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and 65 kph gusts, PAGASA said. – Jiann Padillo/NewsLine