MANILA (PNA) — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has reported that the active low pressure area (LPA) east of extreme Northern Luzon has developed into a tropical depression named "Ester" as it moves toward the Cagayan area.

Pagasa said that as of 4:00 a.m. Saturday, August 7, 2010, "Ester" was estimated, based on satellite and surface data, to be at 190 kilometers southeast of Basco, Batanes. It has maintained its wind strength of 45 kilometers per hour near the center as it moves toward the Cagayan area.

Pagasa forecasts that with the speed of 22 kph, it would be 420 kms. west-southwest of Basco, Batanes or 260 kms. west-northwest of Laoag City by Sunday morning.

Robert S. Sawi, Pagasa spokesman, said "Ester" triggers the southwest monsoon, bringing rains over the western parts of the country.

The weather agency said public storm warning signal No. 1 is now hoisted over Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Northern Isabela, Batanes, Babuyan and Calayan Islands.

Pagasa warns residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under signal No. 1 against possible flash floods and landslides, along with areas over the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon and Western Visayas.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions.