Tropical storm "Shanshan" gained strength as it moved in the general direction of the Batanes- Taiwan area, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday.

In its 11 a.m. (0300 GMT) alert, PAGASA said Shanshan was located 1,110 kilometers east of Northern Luzon and packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center with gustiness of 100 kilometers per hour.

On Tuesday morning, the storm is forecast to be 980 kilometers northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, according to PAGASA.

PAGASA said that while Shanshan was not expected to directly affect any part of the Philippines, the active low pressure area estimated at 370 kilometers west of Batanes will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring occasional rains over Luzon and Western Visayas.

Residents in these areas have been advised to take all necessary precautions against flash floods and landslides.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2006)