The low pressure area (LPA) east of Visayas has developed into tropical depression Agaton on Saturday morning, April 9, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise tropical wind signal number 1 over some areas in Eastern Visayas and Caraga.

As of 4 a.m., Agaton was estimated at 120 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph, while moving slowly west-northwestward.

PAGASA hoisted Signal No. 1 over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao Island, and Bucas Grande Island because of the expected impact of the cyclone.

Brace for heavy rains, strong winds, rough seas

PAGASA warned the public to remain vigilant against possible flash floods or landslides due to Agaton’s rains.

From Saturday until early Sunday, April 9 to 10, moderate to heavy with at times intense rains may prevail over Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte, while light to moderate with occasional heavy rains may affect Masbate, Sorsogon, and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.

From early Sunday to early Monday, April 10 to 11, moderate to heavy with intense rains will persist in Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, the northern and central portions of Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, and Bohol.

Light to moderate with occasional heavy rains may also prevail over Masbate, Sorsogon, and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.

“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.

Meanwhile, strong winds will be experienced in areas under Signal No. 1 during the passage of Agaton.

PAGASA also advised mariners to remain in port or take shelter due to rough seas.

“In the next 24 hours, rough to very rough seas (2.8 to 4.5 m) will prevail over the seaboards of areas where TCWS #1 is hoisted and the northern and eastern coastal waters of Northern Samar. These conditions may be risky for most seacrafts,” it said.

“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,” it added.

Projected track and intensity

From Saturday until Monday, PAGASA said Agaton may remain almost stationary 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. However, the tropical depression may begin to turn southeastward or eastward on Tuesday as it interacts with the incoming tropical cyclone with international name Malakas,” PAGASA said.

Weather specialist Ezra Bulquerin said tropical storm Malakas will likely enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Tuesday, April 12, and will be given a local name, “Basyang.”

Furthermore, Agaton will likely remain a tropical depression over the next three days, although there is a marginal possibility of intensification into a tropical storm on Monday.

“However, the disturbance may degenerate into a remnant low by late Tuesday or early Wednesday as Malakas begins to assimilate its circulation,” PAGASA pointed out.

Agaton is the Philippines’ first tropical cyclone to form inside the PAR this year.