LPA East of Visayas Becomes Tropical Depression ‘Paeng’

The low-pressure area that the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spotted a few days ago has developed into a tropical depression (TD) named “Paeng” and will cause rains in multiple regions in the country.

According to PAGASA’s 11 a.m advisory, TD Paeng’s trough or extension coupled with a shear line will bring about heavy downpours of rain in the regions of Quezon, Bicol, and the whole Visayas region.

Moreover, northern and western parts of Mindanao are also expected to have heavy rains.

The state weather bureau also warned of flooding and landslides.

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely,” PAGASA warned.

TD Paeng was last seen 900 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas at 10 a.m and is moving west with a speed of 10 kilometers per hour, according to PAGASA’s 11 a.m. advisory.

TD Paeng has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour with gusts reaching 55 kilometers per hour and is predicted to intensify into a tropical storm on Thursday.

Moreover, the further intensification may lead to TD Paeng’s Typhoon classification on Saturday.

Typhoons have winds of up to 184 kilometers per hour.

The bad weather has led to the forced cancellation of classes in Cebu as flooding has already been reported in multiple areas.

According to the social media page of Lapu-Lapu City mayor Ahong Chan, the old bridge is currently closed due to flooding near the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu Mandaue campus.

“Kasamtangang gisirado ang old bridge tungod sa kataas sa tubig baha sa dapit sa UCLM,” Chan said.

Moreover, flooding has also been reported in areas such as the Bulacao-Tabunok area.

Meanwhile, zero visibility in other areas is also reported due to the heavy rains in Cebu.

Eastern Visayas, Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Quezon, Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan may experience heavy to intense with at times torrential rains from Friday to Sunday, according to PAGASA.

The state weather bureau added that Rizal, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the rest of Visayas and Cagayan Valley are expected to experience Light to moderate with at times heavy rains.

Moreover, Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, and the northern portion of Aurora may experience heavy to intense at times torrential rains, while Ilocos Norte and the rest of Aurora, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera Administrative Region may experience moderate to heavy with at times intense rains.

PAGASA is expected to release the next advisory on TD Paeng at 5 p.m. Philippine Standard Time. (GFB)