NDRRMC on alert as 'Agaton' threatens southern Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) remains on red alert as a low-pressure area has developed into a tropical depression and continues to head toward the Caraga region.

Tropical Depression Agaton started dumping moderate to heavy rains over the eastern section of the country, including the Bicol region, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

“We are appealing to the public to brace for possible flash floods and landslides which could happen again (in Vinta-hit areas) because of the expected rains from Agaton,” PAGASA weather division chief Esperanza Cayanan said in a press briefing.

Cayanan likened the new cyclone to Tropical Storm Vinta, which triggered flooding and mudslides in Mindanao, killing more than 200 people last month.

“We appeal for the cooperation of the entire community so everybody will be safe and we avoid a repeat of Vinta which left many people dead,” she said.

PAGASA hydrologist Elmer Caringal said flood advisories were issued in 382 barangays in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mimaropa, Bicol region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Caraga. 

“There were already reports of flooding in Bicol, including Sorsogon, Albay and Masbate,” he said.

At least 353 families from Region IX and Caraga, especially those in the danger areas of Liloy town in Zamboanga del Norte and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur, have been evacuated.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the center of Agaton was spotted at 175 kilometers east northeast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, packing winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph.

It was forecast to move west at 19 kph.

As of 5 p.m. Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 was raised over Southern Leyte; Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island; Surigao del Sur; Dinagat Island; Agusan del Norte and del Sur; Davao Oriental, del Norte and del Sur; North Cotabato; Compostela Valley; Misamis Oriental and Occidental; Lanao del Norte and del Sur; Camiguin and Bukidnon.