VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA)- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 1 over the island province of Catanduanes and parts of Visayas today, April 11, as the low pressure developed into tropical depression “Amang.”

As of 4 a.m., the center of TD Amang was estimated based on all available data at 475 km East of Virac, Catanduanes (13.3°N, 128.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and central pressure of 1004 hPa moving West Northwestward at 20 km/h.

Signal No. 1 is also up in the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Taft, Can-Avid, Sulat, Dolores, Oras, Arteche, San Policarpo, Jipapad, Maslog, San Julian) and the eastern portion of Northern Samar (Catubig, Lapinig, Gamay, Mapanas, Palapag, Laoang, San Roque, Pambujan, Mondragon).

In this connection, Virac Mayor Samuel V. Laynes has issued a memorandum suspending classes in all levels in Virac.

According to Mayor Laynes, the suspension is to ensure the safety of all concerned, particularly students from pre-school, elementary, secondary and tertiary levels, both in public and private schools until the TCWS over Catanduanes has been lifted by PAGASA.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has already alerted all its Municipal DRRMC for possible effects of the weather disturbance. (PIA5/Catanduanes)