Cyclone signals up due to Auring

MANILA, Philippines — Several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal yesterday as Tropical Storm Auring (international name Dujuan) continued to move toward Caraga region.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Southern Leyte and the southeastern portion of Eastern Samar; Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Camiguin and the western portion of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Signal No. 2 was expected to be raised over Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental last night while more areas in Northern Mindanao and Eastern and Central Visayas were expected to be placed under Signal No. 1.

Auring, the country’s first tropical cyclone this year, was forecast to make landfall over the eastern coast of Caraga tomorrow morning. It was also projected to cross the Visayas and Mimaropa tomorrow until Monday.

“Today until Monday afternoon is what we consider the critical period,” PAGASA senior weather forecaster Chris Perez said.

As of 4 p.m., the center of Auring was located 405 kilometers east-southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

PAGASA warned the public of widespread flooding and landslides due to moderate to intense heavy rains.

Rough to very rough seas are expected over the seaboards of Luzon, the Visayas and the northern part of Mindanao. – Romina Cabrera, Ben Serrano