The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has placed seven provinces in Mindanao under storm warning signal number 3 as typhoon "Pablo" moves to make a landfall.
In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said storm warning signal number 3 has been hoisted in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Davao Oriental.
Areas under signal number 3 should expect winds of 101-185 kilometers per hour (kph) in at least 18 hours.
The following areas, meanwhile, have been placed under signal numbers 1 and 2:
Signal no. 2 (61-100 kph winds expected in at least 24 hours)
• Southern Leyte
• Bohol
• Camiguin
• Misamis Oriental
• Bukidnon
• Davao del Norte
• Compostela Valley
Signal no. 1 (45-60 kph winds expected in at least 36 hours)
• Eastern Samar
• Western Samar
• Leyte
• Biliran
• Aklan
• Capiz
• Antique
• Iloilo
• Guimaras
• Negros Occidental
• Negros Oriental
• Cebu
• Siquijor
• Zamboanga Provinces
• Lanao Provinces
• Davao del Sur
• North Cotabato
• Maguindanao
PAGASA said as of 12 p.m., the eye of the typhoon was located 490 km Southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Pablo was still packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph. It also maintained its speed and direction, moving west northwest at 24 kph.
Pablo is expected to be at 30 kms east of Hinatuan on Tuesday. Pre-emptive evacuation is now being carried out in areas, particularly in Hinatuan's islands, where the typhoon is expected to unleash its force.
PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz said after making a landfall in Surigao area, Pablo will cross the provinces of Agusan, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin and Bohol on Tuesday.
The typhoon will continue moving over Cebu, Negros and Panay provinces on Wednesday.
"Inaasahan na hihina si Pablo habang dumaraan siya sa Visayas area," he said.
Loiz noted that even if Pablo has yet to make a landfall, its outer cloud bands will already bring rains over eastern Visayas and eastern Mindanao on Monday afternoon.
Estimated rainfall is from 15 to 30 mm per hour (heavy - intense) within the typhoon's 600-km diameter.
Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signals are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.
Likewise, those living in coastal areas under public storm warning signal nos. 3 and 2 are alerted against big waves. Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao.
The Department of Education, meanwhile, is reminding everyone of the automatic suspension of classes when storm warning signals are raised.
Classes in preschool are automatically suspended when storm warning signal no. 1 is raised.
Classes from preschool to high school, meanwhile, are called off automatically when signal no. 2 is raised.
When signal no. 3 is hoisted, classes in all levels and work of DepEd employees are automatically suspended.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
