Flood, landslide warning out

MANILA, Philippines – The state weather bureau warned yesterday residents in Southern Luzon and Western Visayas of possible landslides and flashfloods as a low-pressure area off Eastern Samar is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains over these areas in the next 24 hours.

As of 2 p.m. yesterday, the low-pressure area was spotted at 535 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

The southwest monsoon, meanwhile, was affecting Northern and Central Luzon.

PAGASA said the low-pressure area and the southwest monsoon are expected to bring light to moderate rains (one to five millimeters per hour) and thunderstorms over Luzon and the Visayas.

It said moderate to heavy rains (five to 10 mm per hour) will prevail over Panay and the provinces of Mindoro and Negros which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

PAGASA weather division chief Robert Sawi said occasional rains are expected in most parts of the country, including Metro Manila, in the next three days.

“The low-pressure area is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next few days,” Sawi said.

It will be given the local name “Karen” once it intensifies into a cyclone, PAGASA said. It will be the 11th storm to enter the country this year.