Rainy holidays in ‘Pablo’-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - A low-pressure area has entered the Philippine area of responsibility and is expected to bring rains over parts of the country this Christmas, including areas hit by typhoon “Pablo.”

Robert Sawi, weather division chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said the low-pressure area has started to bring rains over the Bicol region, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Sawi warned of possible floods and landslides in Leyte as frequent rains are expected over the eastern section of the country today.

Eastern Luzon will be cloudy with light rains due to the northeast monsoon, while the rest of Philippines will be partly cloudy with isolated passing light rains.

Sawi said the low-pressure area has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.

“It will move towards Bicol-Visayas area then toward the West Philippine Sea and dissipation is possible,” Sawi told The STAR.

“However, it will enhance the northeast monsoon. The seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas are risky for sea travel,” he added.