Satellite image of Tropical Depression Chedeng as of March 18, 2019, 2:50 pm. (Image from PAGASA)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Tropical depression Chedeng has slowly weakened as it moves towards Mindanao, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said at its 11:00 a.m. bulletin on Monday, March 18.
TD Chedeng will directly affect the areas of CARAGA and Davao Regions with moderate to heavy rains on Monday.
According to the latest forecast of PAGASA, TD Chedeng, as of 11:00 a.m. on Monday was located 445 kilometers east of Davao City with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness of up to 60 kph.
The storm is moving faster from 15 kph to 20 kph, PAGASA added.
It is expected to make landfall in the eastern coast of Davao Oriental on Tuesday morning and will weaken into a low-pressure area.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 was already declared in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur, Davao City, Davao Occidental, the southern part of Davao del Norte including Samal Island, and the eastern parts of North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and General Santos City.
PAGASA also warned residents in said areas to coordinate with their respective local disaster risk management offices and local government for appropriate measures to be undertaken.
Moderate to heavy rains will also prevail over Surigao del Sur, the eastern part of Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley while widespread rains may be experienced in areas of Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Bangsamoro and the Zamboanga Peninsula, PAGASA added.
Flashfloods and landslides may occur especially in low-lying and mountainous areas, the state weather bureau further warned.
Fisherfolks and small boats were also advised not to travel due to the rough seas, particularly in the seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao.
Classes in all levels both public and private were already been suspended in Monkayo, Compostela Valley on Monday due to the expected heavy rains.
The Davao City Government and the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte also declared the suspension of classes for all levels in public and private schools in all cities and municipalities in the province effective on Monday. (Ken E. Cagula/davaotoday.com)
