Tropical storm Basyang at 432 km East of Surigao City. (PAGASA SATELLITE IMAGE)
Cebu, six other areas in the Visayas and five others in Mindanao were placed under signal number 2 by the state weather bureau Pagasa as tropical depression “Basyang” worsened into a tropical storm early today.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Council alerted all barangays to prepare for the upcoming storm surge. ‘Basyang’ was estimated at 500 km east northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80kph.
¨There will be light to moderate rains later that will become heavy late tonight,¨ Pagasa Director Oscar Tabada said in a radio interview.
Aside from Cebu, public storm signal number 2 was declared in Bohol, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Camotes Island for Visayas and Camiguin, Dinagat Province, Surigao del Norte including Siargao, Northern part of Surigao del Sur, and northern Part of Agusan del Sur for Mindanao.
Weather forecasters warned about a possible storm surge to occur in coastal areas of Central Visayas and other areas affected by the storm signal.
Thus, coastal residents from 500 m to 1 km from the shoreline are advised to move to the evacuation centers prepared by the Disaster Risk Reduction Council. Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. delos Reyes asked their residents near the coast to evacuate now. Vehicles are readied for residents to evacuate to the city gym. He also asked residents in barangay Manipis to take precautions as possible landslides may occur if there is a heavy downpour.