MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has placed several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Tropical Depression Ada maintains its strength while slowing down over the Philippine Sea east of Mindanao. In its weather bulletin issued at 5 p.m. yesterday, PAGASA said the center of Ada was estimated at 545 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, as of 4 p.m. The weather system is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 55 kph, as it moves west-northwestward at 10 kph. TCWS No. 1, which carries a threat of strong winds with a warning lead time of 36 hours, is currently in effect over Northern Samar, Samar and Eastern Samar in the Visayas, and over the Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. PAGASA said minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible in areas under TCWS No. 1, with winds ranging from 39 to 61 kph, particularly in coastal and upland or mountainous locations exposed to prevailing winds. The agency added the highest wind signal that may be raised during Ada’s passage is TCWS No. 2. Aside from the tropical cyclone, the northeast monsoon and the periphery of Ada are also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over various parts of the country. Due to the weather system, most of Calabarzon, the Bicol Region, Central Visayas and parts of Mindoro and Romblon may experience strong winds from today until tomorrow. PAGASA also warned of hazardous sea conditions, with rough seas reaching up to 4.0 meters along the seaboards of Ilocos Norte, Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands, Albay, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, the Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Sur. Seas of up to 3.0 to 3.5 meters are expected over several other eastern and northern seaboards. Mariners of small seacraft, including motorbancas, were advised not to venture out to sea, especially those who are inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels. Based on the track forecast, Ada is expected to move generally northwestward over the next three days and may pass close to or make landfall over Eastern Visayas on Friday or early Saturday, before moving near or over Catanduanes by the weekend. PAGASA said the tropical depression may intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours as it continues to strengthen over the Philippine Sea. The agency urged the public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to take necessary measures to protect life and property, and advised residents in hazard-prone areas to follow evacuation and safety instructions from local authorities. In response to the continuing effects of severe weather, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has extended P13.9 million in aid to over 100,000 families affected by heavy rains and flooding brought by a shearline in four regions, a DSWD official said. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Communication report yesterday, 376,159 people have been affected across 558 barangays in Mimaropa (Region 4-B), Bicol Region (5), Western Visayas (6) and Eastern Visayas (8).
