'Bebeng' maintains strength, continues towards Japan

Typhoon Bebeng maintained its strength as it continued to move northwest towards the southern islands of Japan. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 10 p.m. Wednesday, Bebeng was 900 kms east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan. It packed maximum sustained winds of 140 kph and gustiness of 170 kph, and was moving northwest at 26 kph. Pagasa said Bebeng is forecast to be 680 kms northeast of Basco, Batanes or 250 kms south of Okinawa, Southern Japan by Thursday evening. No storm warning signals were raised in Philippine territory, but Pagasa said Bebeng will still induce the southwest monsoon that will bring rains over the country particularly over Southern Luzon and Visayas. It reiterated its advice to residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to seek safer grounds against possible flash floods and landslides. - GMANews.TV