Maring may become a tropical storm

MANILA, Philippines -Tropical Depression Maring may develop into a storm before leaving the Philippine area of responsibility in the next three days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Maring was spotted moving toward Japan yesterday afternoon but it could still accelerate into a storm within two days.

Weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar said Maring is expected to leave the country by Wednesday.

It was forecast to remain in the Philippine area of responsibility for three days, although it was moving away from the country.

Before noon yesterday, PAGASA lifted public storm warning signal No. 1 over the Batanes group of islands.

Maring is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms over the western section of northern and central Luzon.

The Ilocos region, the Cordilleras, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Metro Manila will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms, PAGASA said.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail throughout the archipelago while coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

Labuyo death toll now 21

Meanwhile, the death toll of Typhoon Labuyo rose to 21 yesterday as 11 more bodies were recovered in Luzon and Central Visayas.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported yesterday that one of the fatalities came from Benguet; one from Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya; two from Boljoon, Cebu; one from Infanta, Quezon; one from Casiguran, Aurora; one from San Agustin, Isabela; one from Dingalan, Aurora; and two from Pangasinan.

The NDRRMC said 76 fishermen reported missing at the height of Labuyo had been rescued in Pangasinan, Catanduanes and Camarines Norte.

 â€“ With Jaime Laude