Negros Oriental and Occidental are among the 23 areas in the Visayas and Mindanao that are now under public storm warning signal no. 1 as tropical depression “Seniang” slightly gained strength and continues to move closer towards northeastern Mindanao.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, in its 8 o'clock bulletin last night, said that signal No. 1, or winds of 30-60 kph expected in at least 36 hours, is hoisted over Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Camotes Island in the Visayas.

The areas affected in Mindanao are Dinagat Province, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Siargao Island, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, northern part of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, and Camiguin.

“These areas will have occasional rains with occasional gusty winds,” it warned.

Residents in low lying and mountainous areas of the provinces with PSWS#1, as well as over Eastern Visayas and the rest of Mindanao, especially Caraga Region, are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides, a government press release said.

The estimated rainfall amount is from 7 to 15 mm per hour, or moderate to heavy, within the 300 km diameter of the tropical depression.

PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada said that due to the presence of TD Seniang, the ocean waves may reach up to four meters.

As of 10 p.m., Seniang is located 80 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (8.4°N, 127.0°E), with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, and forecast to move west northwest at 13 kph.

Cada said Seniang's movement changed from westward to west northwest while its speed accelerated from 11 kph to 13 kph. It is expected to make landfall between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. today near Tandag, Surigao del Sur, south of Bohol this afternoon, and south of Negros Oriental tomorrow.

Cada said TD Seniang is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Jan.1 or Jan. 2. He added that Seniang and the northeast monsoon will cause rough to very rough sea conditions over the eastern seaboard of Luzon and the Visayas.*PNA

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