Pablo Update

Storm signals were hoisted over 32 areas as tropical storm “Pablo” (international codename: Higos) hit land in Easter Samar and began crossing the Bicol Region.

Pablo was located 170 kilometers southeast of Daet, Camarines Norte, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Atronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

It was moving northwest at 19 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

Signal No. 2 (winds of from 60-100 kilometers per hour) was hoisted over the provinces of Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Ticao Island, Burias Island, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Marinduque, Southern Quezon and Northern Samar.

Signal No. 1 was raised over Metro Manila, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Northern Quezon, Polillo Island, Aurora, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Northern Leyte, Northern Cebu, Biliran, Capiz, Northern Iloilo, Northern Antique and Aklan.

Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides while those living in coastal areas under signal No. 2 are alerted against big waves and storm surges.

Pablo was expected to be in the vicinity of Cabanatuan City Wednesday evening, about 310 kilometers northwest of Dagupan City by Thursday evening and 620 kilometers west of Basco, Batanes by Friday evening.