Storm Signal Number 2 was raised over the entire province of Bohol ahead of Tropical Storm Basyang’s expected landfall over the Caraga region this morning, said state weather bureau PAGASA early Tuesday.
In its latest forecast track, PAGASA indicated that Basyang is projected to be nearest to the southern area of the province within the day or early Wednesday.
A red rainfall advisory was also issued for Bohol earlier today.
PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. weather bulletin that the center of Basyang was last spotted at 175 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
It maintained strength packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
According to PAGASA, the storm slightly changed direction from its previously projected westward movement as it started to move west northwest at 25 kph.
As standard procedure, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea trips in areas where a storm signal was raised.
Classes in all levels including elementary, high school and college in both private and public schools of Bohol on Tuesday have been suspended as ordered by Gov. Edgar Chatto.
For his part, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Anthony Damalerio on Monday night said that preemptive evacuation was implemented in three barangays in Candijay due to threats of landslide.
“Sa Tropical Depression Agaton, mao pud ni na three barangays uban sa Loboc na mi-evacuate,” said Damalerio.