Tropical depression "Ambo" maintained its strength while remaining almost stationary over the Philippine Sea on Tuesday.
Based on its latest bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the center of "Ambo" was estimated at 385 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph, "Ambo" is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours.
Its trough will bring scattered light to moderate with heavy rainshowers during thunderstorms over Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday urged all local government units (LGUs) in flood and landslide-prone areas to take necessary precautions on the looming onslaught of "Ambo".
In a statement, NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has readied P179 million worth of family food packs, P780 million worth of other food and non-food items, P244 million worth of standby funds as well as P1.2 billion worth of standby resources.
All transport logistics assets for hauling of relief resources are now ready.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has also disseminated warnings for LGUs that might be affected by "Ambo".
As of 10 p.m. Monday, the center of "Ambo" was spotted at 300 km east northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
PAGASA, during the pre-disaster risk assessment meeting, said "Ambo" will bring scattered light to moderate with isolated heavy rains during thunderstorms over Mindanao. These may cause moderate to rough seas in the eastern seaboards of Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.
"Ambo" may also intensify into a tropical storm and expected to make landfall over the Bicol region on Thursday evening or Friday morning.
During these days, tropical cyclone wind signals may possibly be raised over the Bicol region and some parts of Eastern Visayas.
Residents are advised to be vigilant and monitor advisories as "Ambo" may cause possible flooding in the low lying areas of Bicol Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, National Capital Region, Samar and Leyte provinces.
Landslides may also occur in the mountainous areas of Bicol, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley.
Fisherfolk and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out on the eastern seaboards of Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.
