Cyclone 'Basyang' enters RP

A low-pressure area (LPA) spotted off Bicol late Sunday intensified into a tropical depression Monday, becoming the second cyclone to enter Philippine territory this year. However, weather forecasters say the tropical depression, code-named "Basyang," may not bring in enough rains to raise the water level at Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, which supplies water in Metro Manila. Last week, officials at Angat Dam warned the water level at the dam has reached the critical level. "Hindi inaasahang direktang tatama sa Angat si 'Basyang' ('Basyang' is not expected to pass directly over Angat Dam)," Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) head Prisco Nilo said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Earlier, PAGASA had estimated that only 13 to 15 cyclones may pass through Philippine territory this year. Only one — "Agaton" (international code name Omais) — passed through the country last March. PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier said "Basyang" was estimated at 660 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4:00 a.m. today. Javier said there was no immediate indication of when or where "Basyang" will make landfall. "Di pa masyado di pa nagkakaroon ng signals, wala pa (There are no typhoon signals raised yet)," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. However he says "Basyang" may bring rains to parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila. Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. Light to moderate winds blowing from the Southeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the East to Southeast over the rest of the country. Coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate. –VVP, GMANews.TV