Update: TD ‘Onyok’ Accelerates While Moving Closer to Surigao del Sur-Davao Oriental Area

Tropical depression “Onyok” has accelerated while moving closer to Surigao del Sur-Davao Oriental area, the state-run Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. weather bulletin on Friday.

As of 10 a.m., the center of TD “Onyok” was estimated based on all available data at 265 kilometers east- southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or at 270 km east- northeast of Mati City, Davao Oriental (7.6°N, 128.6°E). It is forecast to move westward at 20 kilometers per hour, three kph faster than its speed as of 4 a.m. or six hours earlier.

PAGASA said that if it maintains its speed and movement, “Onyok” is expected to make a landfall in Caraga Region on Friday night.

Meanwhile, public storm warning signal (PSWS) No. 1 (30-60 kph winds expected in 36 hours) is still hoisted over the provinces of Surigao del Sur, including Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Province, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Davao del Sur, northern part of Davao Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, northern part of South Cotabato, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas of the provinces with public storm warning signals are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides.

The estimated rainfall amount is from heavy to intense within the 150-km diameter of the tropical depression.

Meanwhile, the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and the provinces of Isabela, Aurora and Quezon will experience moderate to heavy rains which may trigger flash floods and landslides.

Sea travel is risky along the seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of the Visayas due to big waves generated by the surge of the northeast monsoon.

PAGASA said “Onyok” is expected to be over Illana Bay or at 65 km west of Cotabato City by Saturday morning and is forecast to be at 615 km west of Zamboanga City as a low-pressure area (LPA) by Sunday morning. (PNA) SCS/CLTC