LPA off Mindanao now ‘Vinta’, threatens CARAGA

MANILA – The low pressure area spotted east of Mindanao has developed into Tropical Depression Vinta, posing a threat to areas in the CARAGA region.

“Vinta” was last spotted 735 km. east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its forecast Wednesday afternoon.

“Vinta”, moving west at 20 km. per hour (kph), has maximum sustained winds of up to 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph and is expected to make landfall at the CARAGA-Davao region on Thursday evening.

Tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 has been hoisted over Surigao del Sur and northern Davao Oriental.

The state weather bureau advised residents in Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao to brace for scattered to widespread rains due to the tropical depression and local government units to implement appropriate measures against possible floods and landslides.

Fisher folks and small sea craft are warned not to sail over the seaboards of eastern Mindanao due to moderate to rough seas caused by the approaching weather disturbance.

“Vinta” is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Christmas Day.