MANILA – Flooding and rain-induced landslides continue threatening the Bicol Region even if super typhoon "Rolly" (international name Goni) already left after wreaking havoc there over the weekend.
Rain from severe thunderstorms may trigger such hazards, noted Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Rosalie Pagulayan on Tuesday.
"There's a big chance for further flooding and landslides in Bicol," she said.
She said Bicol experiences thunderstorms -- including severe ones -- this time of the year so residents must stay alert and prepare for possible flooding and landslides.
According to Pagulayan, "Rolly's" rains over the Bicol Region saturated the soil with water.
She's not discounting the possibility that the rains already raised the water level in several Bicol waterways.
Such conditions elevated Bicol's flooding and landslide risk, she noted.
Pagulayan said rain from thunderstorms, particularly severe ones, can cause waterways there to overflow and flood communities near them.
She added that rains from thunderstorms can also trigger landslides so people near mountain slopes must take precautionary measures.
On Tuesday, PAGASA forecast light to occasionally moderate rainfall in the Bicol Region.
Localized thunderstorms can bring such rainfall, noted Pagulayan.
"One of those thunderstorms can be severe," she said.
PAGASA said the expected rainfall may affect rivers and tributaries, particularly Camarines Sur province's Lower Kilbay Catabangan, Ragay, Tinalmud, Tambang, and Lagonoy; Catanduanes province's Cabuyan, Bato and Pajo; Albay province's Guinale and Upper Donsol; Sorsogon province's Lower Donsol, Ogod, Putiao, Cadacan, Banuang-Daan, Fabrica (Tugbugan) and Matnog; Camarines Norte province's Labo and Daet Basud; as well as Masbate province's Lanang, Mapayawan, Mandaon, Asid, Malbug, Guiom, Nainday, Nauco (Aguada) and Baleno.
"Rolly" continues to move away from the country and may already exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday (Nov. 4). (PNA)
