MANILA – Flash floods and landslides may strike Region 11 (Davao) this week.
"Rain from the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) can trigger those hazards there," said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Rosalie Pagulayan.
She said communities concerned must prepare accordingly as previous rain and runoff may have already saturated soil in Davao, making the area prone to flooding and landslides.
ITCZ rainfall will increase the volume of water that saturated soil is unable to absorb and can even cause water in waterways to rise and overflow so flooding is possible, she noted.
Such rainfall can also dislodge soil in saturated mountain slopes -- setting off landslides, she continued.
In its daily weather forecast on Tuesday, PAGASA said the ITCZ can cause cloudiness with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Davao, Caraga, SOCCSKSARGEN and Bangsamoro regions as well as Palawan province.
Such conditions will likely persist until around Friday (Jan. 8) in Davao Region, noted PAGASA forecaster Benison Estareja.
He also said some of the expected thunderstorms may bring moderate to heavy rainfall that can trigger flash floods and landslides.
According to PAGASA, the ITCZ can affect waterways in Region XI particularly Davao Oriental province's Cateel, Dapnan, Baganga Mahan-ub, Manorigao, Caraga, Casaunan, Quinonoan, Bagwan, Mayo, Bitanayan, Sumlog, Tangmoan, Dacongbonwa, Kabasagan, Manay, Maya and Sumlao/Cuabo; Davao del Sur proviince's Davao, Talomo, Lipadas, Tagulaya Sibulan, Digos and Padada Mainit; Davao Occidental province's Panglan, Malita, Batanan, Lais, Lawan, Latuan, Calian, Lamita, Lawayon, Culama, Caburan Bi, Maubio, Karabana, Tubayo, Kayapung, Malala, Capisolo, Tanoman Bi, Tanoman Smal, Kalbay, Butua, Nuin, Butula, Baki, Malagupo, Balagona and Batulaki;
Also likely to be affected are waterways in Davao de Oro province's Matiao and Hijo as well as Davao del Norte province's Tagum-Libuganon area, Tuganay, Saug and Lasang, PAGASA said.
"Those waterways may overflow due to ITCZ rain," said Pagulayan.
She added the overflowing water will spill into nearby communities and can cause flooding. (PNA)
