'Mawar' intensifies as it approaches Philippine territory

Tropical storm "Mawar" is gaining strength as it nears the Philippine area of responsibility, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The weather bureau said that as of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Mawar was located 1,365 kilometers east of Mindanao with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is moving westward at a speed of 20 kph.

PAGASA said Mawar is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday morning and will be given the local name "Bising". The tropical storm is forecasted to make landfall over Eastern Visayas or Caraga region by Saturday afternoon or evening.

The weather bureau warned that moderate to heavy rains may be experienced over Bicol region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan due to the effects of Mawar. Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautionary measures against possible flooding and landslides.

In addition, PAGASA said that sea travel remains risky over the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas due to strong winds associated with Mawar. Fisherfolk and other small seacraft operators are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels should watch out for big waves.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said that the southwest monsoon or "habagat" will continue to bring scattered rain showers over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas are advised to take extra caution against possible flashfloods and landslides due to scattered thunderstorms brought by habagat.