by FFE PH News Staff

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has just announced as of 11am today that tropical depression Agaton has been downgraded to a low pressure area (LPA).

As of 10am Philippine time, the centre of the LPA was seen 400km east southeast of Davao City. In connection with the storm’s waning strength, Pagasa has also lifted storm signal 1 in all areas affected by the storm.

Despite the waning storm, Pagasa said that more rains are expected in Mindanao and cautioned the public against persistent flooding and more landslides. The bureau warned residents not to underestimate the storm as it may linger in the country for at least three more days. Fishing boats and sea vessels are warned not to venture out while larger vessels are warned against waves.

The national weather bureau said ‘The LPA is expected to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Davao Region. Sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Luzon, Visayas, and Caraga Region.’

According to the latest estimates of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 40 people have been left dead, 65 injured while 6 are missing. Of the 723,517 affected people, 119,605 have been relocated to evacuation centres. So far, the storm has led to 16 cases of landslides, six of flooding and two maritime incidences. A storm surge that destroyed 13 houses was also reported to have occurred in Gigaquit town, Surigao del Norte last Saturday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has also been conducting relief operations and manpower assistance in the affected regions. Local government units have also been advised to monitor weather advisories and to take precautionary measures.

The LPA that forced some areas of Mindanao to be put under a state of calamity last week turned into tropical depression Agaton on Friday.