"Auring" floods areas in Surigao

“Auring’s” Signal No. 2 up in six provinces

MANILA – The government’s Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) today said tropical Storm “Auring” maintained its strength as it continues to move towards Eastern Visayas-Caraga provinces.

In a statement released early Sunday evening, PAGASA said “Auring’s” eye was estimated at 275 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte and was moving northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

Signal No. 2 remains hoisted over the southern portions of Eastern Samar, central and southern portions of Samar, eastern portion of Leyte, eastern portion of Southern Leyte and Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte. Winds of greater than 61 kilometers per hour and up to 120 kilometers per hour may be expected in at least 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said a total of 1,410 families from 40 different villages in Region XI and CARAGA were affected by “Auring.”

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported nearly 4,000 passengers have been stranded at various ports in six regions affected by the tropical storm as of late Sunday afternoon while 80 different vessels took shelter at safer ports.

Philippine Coast Guard elements also rescued affected residents in flooded areas in Carmen, Surigao del Sur. (Melo M. Acuna)