More areas under Signal No. 1 as Samuel picks up speed over PHL Sea

Tropical Depression Samuel has slightly picked up speed as it moved northwest over the Philippine Sea, the weather bureaud PAGASA said on 

According to its Severe Weather Bulletin issued at 5 p.m. on Monday, the center of the tropical depression Samuel at 4 p.m. was spotted 505 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur.

It had winds of up to 55kph near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph. It was moving northwest at 25 kph.

Samuel is expected to make landfall over the Eastern Visayas-Caraga area tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Signal No. 1 has been raised over Masbate, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.

Signal No. 1 is expected to be raised in the next severe weather bulletin over Northern Samar, Capiz, Iloilo and Guimaras.

The next severe weather bulletin will be released at 11 p.m.

PAGASA said moderate to heavy rains which may trigger flooding and landslides was expected over Caraga Region, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and the provinces of Negros Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin.

"Residents of these areas, especially those living near or in river channels, low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates," PAGASA's said.

"Fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the areas under Signal No. 1 and the eastern and southern seaboards of Mindanao," it added. —NB, GMA News