TD Basyang Intensifies into Storm, Visayas Under Signal No. 2 – PAGASA

As Tropical Depression Basyang (Kajiki) intensifies into a storm on Friday, 22 areas have already been placed under storm signals, according to weather authorities.

Cebu has been placed under public storm signal no. 2 together with Bohol, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, Samar, Camotes Island, Camiguin, Dinagat Province, Surigao del Norte, including Siargao Island, Northern part of Surigao del Sur and the Northern part of Agusan del Norte.

Public storm signal no. 1 was raised in Northern Samar, Biliran Island, Aklan, Capiz, Antique,Iloilo,Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

PAGASA’s weather bulletin, as of 11 am today, said Basyang is expected to make landfall over the Southern Leyte-northern tip of Surigao del Norte area late Friday evening or early Saturday morning.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, Gma News Online reported Basyang to be at 500 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, and is reportedly expected to arrive in the vicinity of Naga City, Cebu province by Saturday morning; and 133 km northwest of Puerto Princesa City by Sunday morning.

The weather bulletin added Basyang was observed to be packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph with gustiness of up to 80 kph as it moves towards the Caraga area.

Weather authorities said moderate to heavy rain (5 to 15 mm per hour) is expected to fall within the 400-kilometer diameter of the storm.

Cebu vessels grounded due to “Basyang”

Earlier, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday grounded all marine vessels in Cebu due to Tropical Depression Basyang wherein Cebu and some parts of the Visayas was placed under signal number 1.

PCG-Cebu chief Rodolfo Villajuan said it is a precautionary measure to hold all vessels when a certain area is placed under signal number 1.

He said they will issue another statement within the day if there is a development on Basyang, which was declared a tropical depression by PAGASA on Thursday.Since Thursday night, at least 1,600 passengers were stranded at the Cebu ports following the PCG’s order.

Land Slides and Flash Floods

PAGASA also warned those residing in low-lying and mountainous areas under the said provinces of possible flash floods and landslides.

Those living in the coastal areas under Signal No. 2 are also alerted against possible storm surges.

Basyang is expected to be outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (729 km west northwest of Puerto Princesa City) by Monday morning, PAGASA said. (with report from LGC)