Severe storm makes landfall in southern Philippines

MANILA, Dec, 22 (Xinhua) -- Severe tropical storm Tembin made landfall in Cateel, Davao Oriental in southern Philippines early Friday, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau PAGASA said storm Tembin, which carries maximum winds of 90 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 155 kph, was spotted near Laak, Compostela Valley at 1:45 a.m. local time (1745 GMT Thursday). And it is moving west at 20 kph.

"Scattered to widespread moderate-heavy rains will prevail over Visayas (in central Philippines) and Mindanao within 24 hours," the PAGASA statement said, warning residents in the area of possible flooding and landslides.

"Sea travel remains risky," it warned.

The storm is expected to exit the Philippines on Christmas Eve.

So far, the government disaster agency has not received reports of any damage. Enditem