The state weather bureau, on Monday, April 11, reported that “Agaton” (International name: Megi) has weakened into a tropical depression.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the center of tropical depression Agaton, as of 8 a.m., was located over the coastal waters of Tanauan, Leyte. It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, gustiness of up to 75 kph, and is moving north northwestward slowly.

Meanwhile, despite the weakening of “Agaton,” tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 1 remained hoisted over the southern portion of Masbate (Dimasalang, Palanas, Cataingan, Pio V., Corpuz, Esperanza, Placer, Cawayan), eastern Samar, Samar, northern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, southern Leyte, the northeastern portion of Cebu (Daanbantayan, San Remegio, Medellin, City of Bogo, Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan), including Camotes island and the eastern portion of Bohol (Getafe, Talibon, BIen, Unido, Trinidad, Ubay, San Miguel, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Mabini), Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands.

Wind signals in other areas have been lifted, said PAGASA.

Hazards due to 'Agaton'

In the next 24 hours, moderate with at times intense rains may be experienced in eastern Visayas, Masbate, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and the northern and central portions of Cebu.

Meanwhile, the state weather bureau likewise warned of light to moderate with at times heavy rains over Dinagat Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Quezon, and the rest of Bicol Region, and Visayas.

“Under these conditions and considering significant antecedent rainfall, scattered to widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazard as identified in hazard maps” PAGASA warned.

Track, intensity

PAGASA, in its latest bulletin, likewise reported that “Agaton” is forecast to “slowly loop” in the vicinity of the northeastern portion of Leyte and the southern portions of Samar and eastern Samar.

“Further weakening into a remnant low is likely by Wednesday evening (April 13) as “Agaton” becomes assimilated within the circulation of “Malakas,” said PAGASA.

Meanwhile, as of 10 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, the center of severe tropical storm “Malakas” was spotted 1,315 km east of Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center, gustiness of up to 115 kph, and is moving west northwestward at 15 kph.

Once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), it will be given the domestic name “Basyang.”