'Urduja' begins to exit PAR

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Urduja began moving toward the West Philippine Sea Monday afternoon, signaling its exit from the Philippine area of responsibility a day after lashing Eastern Visayas.

"Urduja," which moves at 18 kilometers per hour, may exit PAR on Tuesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA located the eye of "Urduja" at 120 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

It has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kilometers per hour.

Signal No. 1 is still hoisted over Palawan, which is experiencing scattered rains.

"Urduja" dumped heavy rain, coupled with the seasonal northeast monsoon, over Eastern Visayas which triggered flooding and landslides during the weekend.

According to the figures provided by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, a total of 31 people have died mainly because of landslides caused by "Urduja."

Of these casualties, 23 deaths were reported in Biliran, five in Leyte, two in Samar and one in Eastern Samar.

An additional 49 people remain missing, while 34 were injured.

READ: 'Urduja' death toll rises to 31

Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that 62,309 families or 270,707 individuals have been affected by the typhoon.

Local governments of Biliran, Kananga, Tanauan, Carigara, Ormoc and Tacloban in the Leyte province declared a state of calamity.

The tail-end of a cold front is affecting the eastern section of Central Luzon, PAGASA noted. 

Meanwhile, PAGASA continues to monitor the low pressure area outside PAR. It was located at 1,450 kilometers east of Mindanao.