Agaton slightly intensifies, landfall in Eastern Samar coast possible

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 9) — Tropical Depression Agaton - the country's first tropical cyclone for 2022 - has slightly intensified while slowly moving over the eastern seaboard of Eastern Visayas.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last spotted the weather system at 130 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar with maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph while moving slowly northeastward.

The weather bureau said Agaton is forecast to remain almost stationary or move slowly as it meanders over the waters east of Eastern Visayas. It added that a landfall over the coast of Eastern Samar is possible.

Agaton is expected to intensify into a tropical storm in the next 24 hours, and may weaken again into a tropical depression by Tuesday.

Eastern Samar in the Visayas; and Dinagat Islands, Siargao Island, and Bucas Grande Island in Mindanao are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 due to the weather disturbance.

These areas may experience rains with gusty winds. Residents are warned of possible flash floods or landslides during moderate to at times heavy rains.

PAGASA said these areas may be upgraded to Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2.

As the Holy Week approaches, PAGASA weather forecaster Benison Estareja warned against sea travel in areas under Signal No. 1.

Estareja also said another storm "Malakas" is approaching and will be named Basyang once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday.

But he added that Malakas will not have a huge effect on the country's weather as it is forecast to leave immediately towards the direction of Japan.

Estareja also told CNN Philippines that Agaton will weaken once it interacts with Malakas.