NDRRMC warns of flashfloods, landslides

MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) warned yesterday of possible landslides and floods in Northern and Central Luzon.

In a report posted on its website, NDRRMC said the tail-end of a cold front would continue to bring mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in these regions. 

“Residents living in low-lying areas and along mountain slopes are advised to be on alert for possible occurrence of flashfloods and landslides,” the agency said. 

The NDRRMC has disseminated weather advisories to all its regional units so they could prepare for possible weather disturbances.

A low-pressure area off Palawan has left the country, but the tail-end of a cold front would continue to bring rains this week, according to state weather forecasters.

Rains are expected in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, and Nueva Ecija, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

The low pressure area had affected 6,000 families or 29,589 persons in 96 barangays in Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

Seven people have died due to the low pressure area in parts of Bicol and Mindanao.

Two fatalities were reported each in Davao Oriental, Camarines Sur and Ilocos Sur, while one died in Camarines Norte.

Five of the casualties drowned, while two were buried in landslide.

The NDRRMC said 641 families or 3,074 persons are still inside 17 evacuation centers.

The low pressure area caused more than P40 million in agricultural damage in Bicol.

Widespread rains from the low pressure area caused four flashfloods, five landslides and a sea mishap.

Flooding incidents occurred in Panabo City and Asuncion, Davao del Norte and parts of Leyte.

Landslides were reported in Abuyog and Mahaplag in Leyte, Sogod, Southern Leyte, and Malita, Davao del Sur.

Landslides and flashfloods

In Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, residents were alerted on possible landslides and flashfloods as rains from the tail-end of a cold front have been lashing Cagayan Valley since last week.  

Norma Talosig, regional chief of the Office of the Civil Defense, said the prolonged rainfall might trigger flooding in low-lying areas, as well as landslides along mountain areas.

“We already mobilized our local disaster councils,” she said.

“The warnings were also issued to all of them so we believe they are already on alert mode especially in the landslide and flashflood prone areas in the region.”

Known flood-prone areas in Cagayan Valley include the northern towns of Isabela as well as the central area, including Tuguegarao City.

Landslides are also a common occurrence in mountain barangays of Cagayan Valley and in the towns of Kasibu, Kayapa, Ambaguio and Santa Fe in Nueva Vizcaya, as well as San Mariano and Jones in Isabela. – Alexis Romero, Charlie Lagasca