MANILA - Tropical storm Basyang (international name Penha) has accelerated, moving westward at 25 kilometres per hour (kph), Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported the country’s weather agency said.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm was last located about 295 kilometres east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the centre and gusts of up to 80 kph.
Due to Basyang’s proximity, Philippine Airlines cancelled eight flights to and from Siargao, involving flights from Manila, Cebu and Clark.
Meanwhile, PAGASA placed more areas in parts of Visayas and Mindanao under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2, warning of gale-force winds, while several other areas remain under TCWS No. 1, where strong winds are expected.
PAGASA also warned of a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge, with peak heights of up to two metres possible within 48 hours over low-lying and exposed coastal communities along the eastern seaboard.
A gale warning remains in effect over the eastern seaboard of Visayas and Mindanao.
PAGASA said Basyang is expected to make its initial landfall over Surigao del Sur on Thursday night, adding intensification is possible before landfall. (PNA) - BERNAMA-PNA