Tropical depression Agaton has slightly intensified while barely moving over the sea east of Eastern Samar on Saturday afternoon, April 9, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.
Agaton now has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph, while moving northeastward slowly.
As of 4 p.m., the center of the tropical depression was estimated at 130 kilometers east-southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
Due to the expected impact of Agaton, tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains hoisted over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Island, Siargao Island, and Bucas Grande Island.
Heavy rains, strong winds, rough seas
PAGASA said Agaton will bring moderate to heavy with occasional intense rains over Eastern Visayas and Dinagat Island until Sunday morning, April 10.
Light to moderate with occasional heavy rains may also affect Masbate, Sorsogon, and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.
From Sunday morning until Monday morning, April 11, moderate to heavy with occasional intense rains may persist in Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, and the northern portion of Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, while light to moderate with occasional heavy rains may prevail over Masbate, Sorsogon, and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.
“Under these conditions and considering significant antecedent rainfall, scattered to widespread flooding (including flooding) and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps,” PAGASA warned.
Likewise, PAGASA said strong winds during the passage of Agaton will be experienced in areas under Signal No. 1.
“Based on the projected intensity and wind radii of Agaton, there is a moderate likelihood that the hoisted wind signals in some localities in Eastern Visayas and Caraga will be upgraded to tropical cyclone wind signal number 2,” it pointed out.
Moreover, in the next 24 hours, rough to very rough seas will prevail over the seaboards of areas where Signal No. 1 has been raised, including the northern and eastern coastal waters of Northern Samar.
“These conditions may be risky for most seacrafts. Mariners of small seacrafts are advised to remain in port or take shelter, while those operating larger vessels are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions,” PAGASA advised.
Agaton to interact with the approaching storm ‘Malakas’
“Today through Tuesday morning (April 12), Agaton is forecast to remain almost stationary or move slowly as it meanders over the waters east of Eastern Visayas. Due to the expected erratic nature of its movement, a landfall over the coast of Eastern Samar is possible,” PAGASA said.
“However, the tropical depression may begin turning generally northeastward on Monday evening or Tuesday morning as it interacts with the incoming tropical cyclone with international name Malakas,” it pointed out.
Agaton will likely intensify into tropical storm within the next 12 to 24 hours.
Storm Malakas, meanwhile, is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday, and will be given a local name, “Basyang.”
As of 11 a.m., Saturday, Malakas was estimated at 1,965 kilometers east of Mindanao. It has maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
By Tuesday, Agaton may weaken into tropical depression and may degenerate into a remnant low by late Tuesday as Malakas begins to assimilate its circulation, PAGASA said.