Pagasa warns of flashfloods, landslides from 2 LPAs

MANILA, Philippines - The weather bureau warned the public yesterday against possible flashfloods and landslides as two low-pressure areas (LPAs) and the southwest monsoon are expected to dump more rains over the country later this week.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the low-pressure areas and the southwest monsoon would bring scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over Luzon and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, widespread rains are likely over the western sections of Northern and Central Luzon and the whole of Mindanao, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

Residents of Metro Manila could expect occasional rain due to the southwest monsoon, the weather bureau said.

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

As of 2 p.m. yesterday, the low-pressure areas were spotted at 490 kilometers east of Hinatuan City, Surigao del Sur and 3,400 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.

PAGASA said the whole country will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms, becoming cloudy with widespread rains over western sections of Northern and Central Luzon which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

In an interview with radio dzBB, PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said the low-pressure area off Basco was moving away from the country yesterday.

It may already be out of Philippine territory should it become a cyclone, he said.

On the other hand, the second low-pressure area, which is near Mindanao, may develop into a cyclone Thursday night or Friday morning.

If it intensifies into a cyclone, it will be given the local name “Gener.”

PAGASA said coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.

“Fishing boats and other small sea craft are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” PAGASA said.