‘Auring’ seen to hit central, northern parts of Iloilo

Tropical Storm Auring (int’l name: Dujuan) is likely to intensify into a severe tropical storm within 48 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its weather bulletin issued at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18.

PAGASA-Iloilo forecaster John Michael Diongon said if its speed and direction does not change, the tropical storm may landfall over the islands of Panay and Negros.

Specifically, Auring is seen to hit the northern and central portions of Iloilo province as well as Iloilo City on Saturday night, Feb. 20, or Sunday afternoon, Feb. 21.

Diongon cautioned people living near mountain slopes and in low lying areas against possible landslide and flood.

He also advised fishermen not to venture out into the sea to avoid accidents caused by big waves.

Auring was last seen 640 kilometers east southeast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph at 4 p.m.

It is slowly moving northwest over eastern Mindanao waters at a speed of 10 kph.IMT