Tropical Depression Wilma Approaches Eastern Visayas, PAGASA Issues Warnings

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Tropical Depression Wilma has slightly slowed down as it nears the Eastern Visayas coast while maintaining its strength. According to the agency's Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 7 released at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 5, Wilma was last located approximately 225 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds reaching 45 kilometers per hour (kph).

The system has reduced its movement speed from 15 kph to 10 kph, progressing west-southwest. Its wind field extends outward as far as 220 kilometers from the center, indicating a broad area of impact.

PAGASA forecasts that Wilma will likely sustain its current intensity as it approaches Eastern Visayas, with landfall or a close approach anticipated between Friday night and early Saturday morning, December 6. The agency advised residents, especially those in regions placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1, to remain vigilant and monitor updates closely due to the risk of intensifying winds and rainfall.

Areas currently under Signal No. 1 include:

Luzon: Southern parts of Sorsogon province (including Matnog, Bulan, Irosin, Santa Magdalena, Bulusan, Barcelona, Magallanes, Juban, Casiguran, and Gubat) and mainland Masbate with Ticao Island.

Visayas: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu (including Bantayan and Camotes Islands), Bohol, northern and central regions of Negros Occidental, Siquijor, northern and central parts of Negros Oriental, eastern Iloilo, eastern Capiz, and Guimaras.

Mindanao: Surigao del Norte (including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands), Dinagat Islands, northern Surigao del Sur, northern Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin.

PAGASA reiterated its call for heightened alertness in these areas as adverse weather conditions from Wilma may worsen near the region.