Metro Manila, Philippines – Tropical Storm Ada is set to bring heavy rains over the weekend as it moves north over the Philippine Sea east of Visayas on Friday, Jan. 16.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Ada” is forecast to pass close to eastern and northern Samar tomorrow and Catanduanes on Sunday.
“A further westward shift in the forecast track may result in a possible landfall over Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region,” the bureau said.
Signal No. 1 is still raised over these areas:
- Luzon: The southern portion of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate
- Visayas: Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and the northern portion of Cebu including Camotes Islands and Bantayan Islands
- Mindanao: Dinagat Islands and Siargao, Bucas Grande Islands
PAGASA said “Ada” was last spotted 255 kilometers (km) east northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar or 335 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar, moving north at 20 km per hour (kph).
The weather disturbance packs maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
Preparations for ‘Ada’
The Office of Civil Defense said their agency and various government bureaus have conducted Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments and activated preparedness measures in anticipation of the tropical cyclone’s impact.
In a statement, Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros advised the public to take precautions.
Cabreros cited the recent unrest of Mayon Volcano and possible additional measures needed as “Ada may exacerbate the emergency situation” in the Bicol region.
Local government units in affected areas have been alerted to implement necessary actions immediately.
