Signal number 2 is up in more than a dozen places due to Tropical Storm Basyang
More than a dozen places are under Storm Signal No. 2 due to the effects of Tropical Storm Basyang, which will bring life-threatening winds and heavy rain to the affected areas, according to the government’s weather office on Thursday.
In its report at 11:00 am, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Signal No. 2 is in effect over Siquijor, the southeastern part of Negros Oriental, the southern part of Cebu, and the southern part of Bohol in the Visayas.
It also applies to Surigao del Norte (including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands), Surigao del Sur, the northern part of Davao Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, the northern part of Bukidnon, the northeastern part of Lanao del Norte, the northeastern part of Lanao del Norte Camiguin.
Under this wind signal, houses built with older or lighter materials are expected to sustain light to moderate damage.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is located over Cagayancillo and Cuyo Islands in Luzon. In the Visayas, the signal covers the southern part of Eastern Samar, the southern part of Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and all of Bohol, Cebu, and Negros Oriental, as well as Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.
In Mindanao, the affected areas include the Dinagat Islands, the northern and central part of Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, the northern part of Davao del Sur, the entire part of Bukidnon, and the northern part of Cotabato. It also includes Lanao del Sur, the northern part of Maguindanao del Norte, and all of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, the eastern and central part of Zamboanga del Norte, the northern and central part of Zamboanga del Sur, and the northern part of Zamboanga Sibugay.
PAGASA noted that under this signal, light structures may sustain minor to minor damage.
As for its track, Tropical Storm Basyang was last located 295 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, moving westward and speeding up to 25 kilometers per hour (km/h).
It has sustained winds of up to 65 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 300 kilometers from the center, meaning areas not directly hit by the eye could still experience severe conditions.
Basyang is forecast to cross Surigao del Sur tonight. It will then cross Mindanao and exit over the Bohol Sea on Friday morning, possibly making a second crossing over Siquijor or the southern part of Negros Oriental on Friday afternoon.
The typhoon is also likely to cross Palawan on Saturday afternoon.
As an immediate measure, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur announced the suspension of classes at all levels and work in government offices.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-CARAGA said in a statement that it has launched its Division and Rapid Response Teams.
PAGASA continues to remind the public, especially those in high-risk areas, to follow evacuation orders and instructions from local officials. – Edg Adrian A. Eva
