Pagasa raises flash flood, landslide alert in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The state weather bureau warned residents in Mindanao yesterday against possible flashfloods and landslides due to heavy rains brought by a low-pressure area.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the weather system is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains (five to 10 millimeters per hour) over Davao, Caraga and Soccsksargen which may trigger flash floods and landslides.

As of 10 a.m. yesterday, the low-pressure area was spotted at 910 kilometers east of General Santos City.

“Residents in these areas are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures,” PAGASA said in an advisory posted on its website.

PAGASA officials said the low-pressure area is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone.

The weather bureau also warned the public against big waves in the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA said rough to very rough seas will prevail over Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, the northern coast of Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Cagayan, Aurora, Camarines provinces, Catanduanes, eastern coast of Albay, eastern coast of Sorsogon, and the eastern coast of Quezon, including Polillo Island, due to the surge of the northeast monsoon.

Rough to very rough seas will likewise prevail over Samar and Leyte provinces, Surigao provinces, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Island and Siargao, the agency added.

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

Meanwhile, PAGASA said eastern Visayas and the rest of Mindanao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers or thunderstorms.