MANILA – Flash floods and rain-induced landslides will still threaten Region 11 (Davao) even if the weather there may begin improving on Friday (Jan. 8).
"Rainfall in Davao may lessen -- that's improving weather -- but can still trigger such hazards so people concerned must be alert to this possibility," said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Aileen Abelardo.
She noted that parts of Davao can be saturated already due to previous rains, making these areas prone to flooding and landslides.
New rain there may set off such occurrences, she said.
In its daily weather forecast on Thursday, PAGASA said cloudiness with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are possible in Mindanao's Davao, Caraga and SOCCSKSARGEN regions due to the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).
Thunderstorms may also bring moderate to heavy rainfall that can cause either flash floods or landslides in those regions, noted PAGASA weather forecaster Raymond Ordinario.
He said weather in Mindanao may begin improving this Friday as the ITCZ will likely move away from the area.
He said the ITCZ may eventually move towards Mindanao's southeastern portion where Region 11 is. However, cloudiness, with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are again possible there on Sunday (Jan. 10) and Monday (Jan. 11).
Generally, fair weather can be expected on both days in the rest of Mindanao since the ITCZ will likely affect the region's southeastern portion only, he noted.
According to PAGASA, rains may affect Region 11 waterways 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 City's Davao, Talomo and Lipadas, Davao del Sur province's Tagulaya Sibulan, Digos and Padada Mainit; as well as 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 Davao de Oro province's Matiao and Hijo, as well as Davao del Norte province's Tagum-Libuganon, Tuganay, Saug and Lasang, PAGASA continued.
Abelardo said the ITCZ rain can raise water level in those waterways, possibly causing these channels to overflow.
The overflowing water will spill into areas near such waterways so flooding can occur there, she added. (PNA)
