The low-pressure area east of northeastern Mindanao has developed into a tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

As Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) continued to pound Luzon with strong winds and heavy rains, weather bureau PAGASA warned on Thursday that the low pressure area east of Mindanao would likely develop into a tropical cyclone.

The low-pressure area (LPA) recently formed outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, according to a weather specialist from the state weather bureau.

MANILA: Kristine (international name: Trami) intensified into a tropical storm early Tuesday (Oct 22), prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No.

In Pagasa’s 5 p.m. bulletin on Wednesday, October 23, the severe tropical storm is estimated at 175 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela with winds peaking at 95 kilometers per hour (kph) moving north northwestward at 20 kph with gusts up to 115 kph.

Responding to appeals for help, the Inquirer Group of Companies extends its relief and fund drive to the families affected by Tropical Storm Kristine. Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation Corp.