'Zoraida' maintains strength; storm signal up in 21 areas

MANILA, Philippines -Tropical depression Zoraida mainatained  its strength and direction as more areas have been placed under a public storm warning signal, state weather bureau PAGASA said Monday afternoon.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Zoraida was last observed at 634 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center.

The tropical cyclone is expected to be in the vicinity of Agusan del Sur on Tuesday afternoon and at 100 kilometers southwest of Coron Palawan by Wednesday afternoon.

Moderate to heavy rainfall (five to 15 millimeters per hour) is estimated within the 300-kilometer diameter of the 25th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

Over 20 areas have been placed under storm warning signal no. 1 due to the approaching tropical depression:

Visayas
Siquijor
Southern Cebu
Bohol
Negros Oriental
Negros Occidental
Southern Antique
Iloilo
Guimaras

Mindanao
Dinagat Province
Siargao Island
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Sur
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Sur
Davao Oriental
Compostela Valley
Davao del Norte
Samal Island
Bukidnon
Misamis Oriental
Camiguin Island

Sea travel remains risky over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon, PAGASA warned.