Pagasa warns of flashfloods, landslides in Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The state weather bureau warned the public yesterday of possible flashfloods and landslides in Visayas and Mindanao as a low-pressure area off Surigao del Sur is expected to bring widespread rains over parts of the country in the next two days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the low-pressure area, which is embedded along the intertropical convergence zone, was spotted at 380 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

“Both weather systems will bring scattered to widespread rains over the Central and Eastern Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods and landslides,” PAGASA said in an advisory.

PAGASA supervising undersecretary Graciano Yumul, however, said the low pressure area has a slim chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone.

One or two tropical cyclones are expected to enter the country this month.

PAGASA officials had warned Filipinos against above normal rains until early 2012 due to the prevailing La Niña phenomenon.

La Niña refers to the abnormal cooling of the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean that brings excessive rains.