Manila: A tropical depression has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was named Basyang, the weather bureau announced on Tuesday. In its 11 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Basyang was located 965 km east of northeastern Mindanao. According to Philippines News Agency, Basyang has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph while moving westward at 10 kph. Basyang is expected to move generally west-southwestward until Thursday, before changing direction to move westward, then west-northwestward through the remaining forecast period. PAGASA indicated that Basyang is forecast to gradually intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach the tropical storm category by Wednesday. This is the second tropical depression to enter PAR this year and is projected to make landfall over eastern Mindanao or the southern portion of Eastern Visayas by Thursday evening or Friday morning. Heavy rains are anticipated over Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning.
