At 8:00 AM today, the Low-Pressure Area (LPA) that was earlier spotted east of Eastern Visayas has intensified into a Tropical Depression, now named “Enteng.” The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially issued the advisory, stating that Tropical Depression Enteng is the seventh tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year.
Enteng was last located approximately 950 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It is currently moving west-northwest at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour (kph), bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph. PAGASA has not yet raised any tropical cyclone wind signals, but it is closely monitoring the situation as Enteng continues to move across the Philippine Sea.
According to PAGASA’s weather forecasts, Tropical Depression Enteng is expected to maintain its current movement in the next 24 to 48 hours. It could intensify into a tropical storm by late tomorrow if it remains over the sea, where conditions are favorable for further strengthening. The state weather bureau also advised that the system might enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), bringing moderate to heavy rains over parts of Luzon and the Visayas in the coming days.
Residents in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and parts of Northern Mindanao are advised to prepare for possible heavy rains and flash floods as Enteng continues to move closer to the eastern sections of the country. Local disaster risk reduction and management offices have been placed on alert, and preemptive evacuations may be conducted in low-lying and flood-prone areas if the situation worsens.
Mariners and those planning to travel by sea are also advised to take caution as rough sea conditions are expected to develop over the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao due to the effects of Enteng and the Southwest Monsoon. PAGASA warns that small vessels should avoid venturing into these areas until the tropical depression has passed.
PAGASA will continue to monitor the development of Tropical Depression Enteng and will issue updates and warnings as necessary. The public is urged to stay informed by following official advisories and weather bulletins to ensure safety during this weather disturbance.