LPA brings rains to Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — Two low-pressure areas located east and west of the Philippine archipelago are expected to bring rains in many parts of the country today, state weathermen said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of possible flash floods and landslides in the event of heavy rains.

Yesterday, the first low-pressure area was spotted 405 kilometers southwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, while the other was monitored 205 km northeast of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

While both low-pressure areas have a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, PAGASA said they may continue to bring rains in the next two days.

The first low-pressure area will bring cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers over Regions 4-B (Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan or Mimaropa), 5 (Bicol) and all over the Visayas and Mindanao.

On the other hand, the second low-pressure area is forecast to bring widespread rainshowers over Regions 6 (Eastern Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas) and 13 (Caraga).

The northeast monsoon is also affecting parts of Luzon, which will experience mostly cloudy skies with rains over Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Aurora province in Region 3 and Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon (Calabarzon or Region 4A).

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country may expect isolated rains due to the northeast monsoon.

OCD ready to respond

As some areas are reeling from the effects of heavy rains and floods caused by the shear line, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said that government is ready to respond to any weather disturbance that may hit the country.

Diego Agustin Mariano, head of the OCD Joint Information Office, said military, police and coast guard personnel have been placed on standby for search and rescue operations.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council remains on Blue Alert, with half of its operations center staff on standby.

Mariano said the manpower and heavy equipment of the Department of Public Works and Highways are also on standby for possible clearing efforts.

“Even the medicines of the DOH (Department of Health) and food packs of the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) are ready. The LGUs (local government units) are also ready with their food packs and relief items if their constituents are affected,” Mariano told a public briefing aired over state-run People’s Television.

“Our preparations are continuous. Since the shear line, we are continuing what we have been doing,” he added.