By Ma. Cristina Arayata
MANILA – The low-pressure area east of Aurora province has developed into a tropical depression (TD) on Tuesday afternoon and was named “Dante.”
The TD packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
As of 4 p.m., Dante was located 1,115 km. east-northeast of Central Luzon or 1,130 km. east of Northern Luzon, moving north-northwestward at 20 kph.
No tropical cyclone wind signal is hoisted in any part of the country. However, Dante enhances the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which will bring strong to gale-force gusts across Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Visayas, and Dinagat Islands.
The habagat will bring monsoon rains over Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan.
It will also cause occasional rains over the rest of the Ilocos Region, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, the rest of Mimaropa, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.
Moderate to heavy rains in these areas could result in flash floods or landslides, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
The rest of the country will continue to experience scattered rains and thunderstorms, still caused by the habagat.
Meanwhile, in the Palace briefing on Tuesday, PAGASA weather services chief Chris Perez said the areas that experienced heavy rains in the past three days are likely the same areas to experience heavy rainfall in the next two to three days.
Heavy rains have been prevalent in Luzon areas, especially its western section, as well as some areas in the Visayas, he said.
“Be alert against possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas and coastal communities. Coordinate with the local government units and disaster risk reduction managing officers with regard to disaster preparedness and mitigation measures,” Perez said.
Continuous rains could also result in landslides, he added.
PAGASA, meanwhile, forecast up to rough sea condition over the seaboards of Batanes and Kalayaan Islands; and the western seaboards of Zambales, Bataan, Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, and Calamian Islands.
Mariners of small seacraft, including all types of motorboats, are advised not to venture out to sea.
TD Dante could intensify into a tropical storm by Wednesday, and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday or Friday. (PNA)
