The Philippines will continue to experience moderate to heavy rains across different parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao largely attributed to the effects of the southwest monsoon or ‘habagat,’ the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
PAGASA forecast yesterday occasional rains on several provinces in Luzon, including Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, as well as Antique in Western Visayas.
Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms remain for Metro Manila, Bicol, the rest of Visayas, Central Luzon, Mimaropa and Calabarzon. Mindanao, meanwhile, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
The low-pressure area (LPA), which meteorologists have been monitoring since last week, has moved near Baler, Aurora and Bacnotan, La Union. It is threatening the Ilocos Region, Abra and Benguet with PAGASA not ruling out its likelihood of developing into a tropical storm that will be named ‘Auring.’
Elsewhere in the country, localized thunderstorms are affecting weather conditions. PAGASA urges residents in all areas with moderate to heavy rainfall outlook to stay alert and take the necessary precautions against possible environmental hazards.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued an urgent call on Monday to all local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas to promptly assess, upgrade, and reinforce their flood control systems.
The agency warned that failure to act could result in severe consequences, especially in low-lying and landslide-prone communities.
“The first line of preparedness is always with the LGUs,” said OCD-6 spokesperson Maria Cristina I. Mayor. “That’s why we always advise them to improve and update their flood control projects to lessen the impact of rains, especially in vulnerable areas.”
The OCD emphasized that LGUs must not only ensure flood infrastructures are functional, but also intensify early warning systems and community information drives to boost public readiness.
“They need to strengthen their information and early warning campaigns so residents can prepare early,” Mayor added, noting that community cooperation is vital. “We urge not only the LGUs but the entire community to be proactive. If a preemptive evacuation is ordered, everyone must be ready to leave for safer ground.”
OCD-6 has directed local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) to inventory their search and rescue equipment in preparation for potential emergencies.
Should any deficiencies be identified, LGUs are encouraged to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and even neighboring LGUs that are not affected — an approach already being implemented in Negros Occidental. With Rex Espiritu
