The Philippine Online Chronicles

Tropical depression Urduja, the 21^st weather disturbance to strike the country this year, entered Philippine territory on Monday afternoon and is set to bring 30-60 kph winds to the Visayas and Mindanao.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Urduja was 50 kms east northeast of Maasin, Southern Leyte at around 4 am, packing maximum winds of 55 kph. It has slowly been moving west northwest at 15 kph.

Urduja is expected to be 30 kilometers west northwest of Roxas City in Capiz by Wednesday morning, before exiting the country through the Mindoro Islands by Friday.

Storm signal no. 1 has already been raised in over eastern and western Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Cebu, Camotes Island, Bohol, the Negros provinces, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo and Guimaras in the Visayas, and Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat and Siargao Island in Mindanao. In Luzon, signal no. 1 was also put up in Masbate and Romblon.

Residents have been warned to watch out for landslides and flash floods.

PAGASA deputy administrator Nathaniel Cruz said that there was small chance of Urduja developing into a storm as it is too close to land. He added that the tropical depression was not likely to affect the rest of Luzon including Metro Manila.