'Ramil' keeps strength while crossing Palawan

MANILA - Tropical depression "Ramil" has maintained its strength as it crossed the Calamian Group of Islands in Palawan Wednesday night, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 8 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said the tropical depression was spotted at 7 p.m. within the vicinity of Busuanga, Palawan and maintained maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 75 kph.

"Ramil" is also likely to move westward at a speed of 18 kph.

Tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 remains hoisted over Northern Palawan including the Calamian Group of Islands, and Southern Occidental Mindoro.

The weather bureau warned residents of areas under the tropical cyclone warning signal as well as those living in Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley Region, northern Quezon including Polillo Island, the rest of Mindoro provinces, and Palawan against possible landslides and flash floods.

Meanwhile, light to moderate with possible occasional heavy rains during thunderstorms will continue to prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.

"Ramil" is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Thursday night or early Friday morning.