MANILA — Tropical Depression “Aghon” made landfall in Eastern Samar on Saturday 25 May 2024), affecting 15 other areas in the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In an early bulletin, Pagasa reported that the storm made landfall over Giporlos, with maximum sustained winds of up to 70 kilometers per hour (kph) and a central pressure of 1,004 hectopascals (hPa).

As of the 8 a.m. bulletin, the storm is moving northwestward over the Samar Sea at 30 kph.

Areas under Signal No. 1 include:

Aurora
Polillo Islands
Northern and Southeastern Quezon: Calauag, Guinayangan, Lopez, Buenavista, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Narciso, San Francisco, San Andres, Tagkawayan, Gumaca, Quezon, Alabat, Perez, Plaridel, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Atimonan, Unisan, Mauban, Real, Infanta, General Nakar, Padre Burgos, Agdangan
Eastern Romblon: Cajidiocan, Magdiwang, San Fernando, Romblon
Eastern Marinduque: Santa Cruz, Torrijos
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Catanduanes
Albay
Sorsogon
Masbate (including Burias and Ticao Islands)
Northern Samar
Samar
Eastern Samar
Biliran
Northern Leyte: Tunga, Pastrana, San Miguel, Matag-Ob, Tolosa, Palo, Calubian, Leyte, Mayorga, Julita, Carigara, Babatngon, Dagami, Jaro, San Isidro, Santa Fe, Albuera, Villaba, La Paz, Palompon, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Merida, Ormoc City, Isabel, Dulag, Capoocan, Alangalang, Burauen, Tabango, Tacloban City, Kananga, Barugo
Extreme Northern Cebu: San Remigio, Tabogon, City of Bogo, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Borbon (including Camotes and Bantayan Islands)
Pagasa indicated that the highest possible wind signal that could be raised is Signal No. 2.

The storm will bring moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 meters) along the coastal waters of the Bicol Region, the southern seaboard of Quezon, the eastern seaboard of Eastern Visayas, the western seaboard of Samar and Northern Samar, and the eastern seaboard of the Caraga Region.

“Mariners of motor bancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels,” the weather bureau cautioned.

Currently, the storm has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 85 kph. The forecasted rainfall is expected to last from Saturday to Sunday evening.

(el Amigo/MNM)