PAGASA satellite image 10 p.m. November 24, 2009

Tropical depression “Urduja” continues to move eastward slowly in the southeastern part of the Philippines on Tuesday evening said the country’s weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

“Urduja” was located by PAGASA, as of 10 p.m., 75 kilometers northeast of Surigao City. It said it was moving east slowly with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center.

The weather agency forecast the weather disturbance to be 120 kms east northeast of Surigao City by Wednesday evening; 210 kms east northeast of Surigao City or 180 kms east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar by Thursday evening; and 280 kms east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar by Friday evening.

Public Storm Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Island and Siargao Island. All other storm warning signals in other areas have been lowered.

PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes in areas under Storm Signal No. 1 to take all the necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides. It also advised the public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned to take appropriate actions.

Meanwhile Nathaniel Cruz, in a briefing late Tuesday evening, said a new storm with international codename “Nida” is approaching the Philippine Area of Responsibility. He said if it enters PAR, it would be the 22nd storm to enter the country in 2009.

He said “Nida” might enter PAR by Sunday.