Tropical Storm Mirasol exits PAR, causes floods and landslides in Luzon

Tropical Depression Mirasol, internationally named Mitag, has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility and intensified into a tropical storm, bringing heavy rains to Luzon.

As of Thursday evening, Mirasol had sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph, and was moving westward.

The storm caused up to waist-deep floods in parts of Luzon, including in Pangasinan, Casiguran in Aurora where it made landfall, Echague in Isabela, and Pagbilao in Quezon.

Approximately 100 homes were flooded in Casiguran, Aurora, and a landslide was reported in San Agustin, Isabela.

The enhanced southwest monsoon brought by Mirasol also caused a landslide in Barangay Bugam sa Leon, Iloilo, damaging four houses and collapsing a nearby footbridge.

Localized thunderstorms were also experienced over the Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Nando is expected to intensify into a typhoon, with potential to trigger wind signals in the coming days.