State weather bureau warns of heavy rains, thunderstorms

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City braces for another round of flooding as the Southwest Monsoon continues to batter the Visayas, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warning of heavy rains and thunderstorms that could trigger flash floods and landslides.

The warning comes after a series of inundations in recent days that left rivers swollen, streets submerged, and drainage systems overwhelmed.

Today, July 23, PAGASA said light to moderate rains are expected in the morning, followed by heavy downpours and thunderstorms in the afternoon, with showers continuing into the evening.

Temperatures will range from 25°C to 31°C, with the heat index reaching 37°C.

Winds will blow from the southwest at 10–15 kilometers per hour, and coastal waters will remain slight to moderate.

Compounding the risk is a developing low pressure area east of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, which PAGASA says has a medium chance of becoming a tropical depression within 24 hours.

If it develops, it will be named Kiyapo and is expected to track west-northwest toward Northern Luzon, further enhancing the monsoon rains across Central and Western Visayas, Palawan, and Mindanao.

The city government, through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, has urged residents to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers, and prepare for possible evacuations.

Emergency teams continue to monitor river levels and assist affected communities, warning that intensified monsoon rains combined with clogged waterways could lead to more severe flooding.

Local reports earlier documented swollen rivers such as Sapangdaku, inundated streets including General Maxilom Avenue and M.J. Cuenco, and water levels in San Nicolas Proper rising above the footbridge in sitio Riverside—the highest since Typhoon Odette.

Videos circulating online showed floodwaters carrying garbage downstream, aggravating blockages in waterways and highlighting challenges in solid waste management.

City officials have acknowledged that illegal dumping and weak enforcement remain critical challenges in mitigating flood risks.

With PAGASA forecasting unstable weather and Cebu still reeling from recent floods, the city is stepping up its disaster preparedness and environmental management.

Authorities are calling on residents to heed advisories, cooperate with cleanup efforts, and report emergencies immediately as the habagat continues to pound the Visayas. — /MRM (FREEMAN)