MANILA - Tropical depression Vinta strengthened as it neared Mindanao on Thursday, threatening to dump rains over the region during the Christmas weekend, according to the state weather bureau.

The storm, which packs maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour, was on track to hit the country less than a week after tropical storm Urduja caused floods and landslides in the Visayas, leaving at least 43 people killed and dozens others missing.

• Urduja death toll rises to 43; hopes fade for dozens missing

Vinta was located 510 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at 4 a.m. Thursday and was expected to cross Mindanao to the southern tip of Palawan from Friday until Christmas Eve, before leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Christmas Day, PAGASA said.

The storm is expected to make landfall over the Caraga-Davao region between Thursday evening and Friday morning, PAGASA said.

Residents of Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao were warned of moderate to heavy rains on Thursday.

Tropical cyclone warning signals have been raised in the following areas:

SIGNAL NO. 2:

-Surigao del Sur

SIGNAL NO.1:

-Agusan del Norte
-Agusan del Sur
-Bukidnon
-Camiguin
-Compostela Valley
-Davao del Norte
-Dinagat Island
-Misamis Oriental
-North Cotabato
-Northern Davao del Sur
-Northern Davao Oriental
-Southern Leyte
-Surigao del Norte