MANILA – Rainy weather is likely to be experienced and elevate the risk for flooding and landslides in Region V (Bicol) and the Visayas this weekend.
"Communities in those areas must be alert to such dangers," said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Aileen Abelardo.
Heavy or prolonged rainfall can set off flash floods and landslides particularly in areas that are either susceptible to these hazards or already saturated due to previous rain there, she noted.
Surface runoff and swelling of river channels can cause flooding in areas that haven't experienced such rainfall, PAGASA also said.
According to PAGASA weather forecaster Ana Clauren, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) that brought rain to Bicol and the Visayas this week already moved away from these areas.
However, rain is still possible in those areas this weekend due to the tail-end of a frontal system (TEFS), she noted.
"Light to moderate with at times heavy rainfall may occur there then," she said.
In its 11 a.m. weather advisory on Friday, PAGASA located the TEFS at 60 km east-northeast of Southern Leyte province's Maasin City.
The low-pressure area (LPA) within the ITCZ is already embedded in the TEFS, noted Clauren.
She, however, clarified that "such LPA is less likely to become a tropical cyclone".
Abelardo said the expected rainfall may affect waterways in Region V and the Visayas.
She said increased water in the waterways, due to such rain, can spill into and flood nearby areas.
PAGASA said Region V waterways particularly likely to be affected are Camarines Sur province's Lower Kilbay Catabangan, Ragay, Tinalmud, Tambang and Lagonoy; Camarines Norte province's Labo and Daet Basud; Masbate province's Lanang, Mapayawan, Mandaon, Asid, Malbug, Guiom, Nainday, Daraga, Nauco (Aguada) and Baleno; Albay province's Guinale and Upper Donsol as well as Sorsogon province's Lower Donsol, Ogod, Putiao, Cadacan, Banuang-Daan, Fabrica (Tugbugan) and Matnog. Also likely to be affected are Catanduanes province's Cabuyan, Bato and Pajo.
In Region VI (Western Visayas), PAGASA said waterways of particular concern are Capiz province's Panay, Mambusao, Panay Malinao, Alingon and Balantian; Antique province's Sibalom, Ipayo, Cagaranan, Palawan, Cairauan, Dalanas and Tibiao; Iloilo province's Pinantan, Barotac, Akalaygan, Jalaud, Jalano, Jagdong, Jalaur, Lamunan, Jaro-Aganan, Sibalom and Guimbal; Aklan province's Ibajay, Aklan and Jalo as well as Negros Occidental province's Malogo, Sicaba, Grande, Himogaan, Danao, Upper Tabanan, Sipalay and Lower Ilog.
All waterways in Guimaras province may also be affected, continued PAGASA.
Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) waterways particularly at risk of being affected are Southern Leyte province's Bisay, Himbangan and Pandan; Northern Samar province's Catarman, Bugko, Pambujan, Catubig, Palapag, Mawo and Gamay; Leyte province's Sangputan, Palo, Solano (Quilot), Daguitan Marabang, Cadac-an, Bongquirogon, Salug, Pagbangahan, Pagsangahan and Binahaan; Eastern Samar province's Oras, Dolores, Ulot, Taft, Borongan, Suribao, Llorente, Balangiga and Sulat; Samar province's Basey, Silanga, Calbiga and Jibatan as well as all channels in Biliran province, PAGASA continued.
PAGASA is not discounting the possibility of light to moderate with at times heavy rainfall over Palawan province including Cuyo and Cagayancillo islands in Region IV-B (Mimaropa).
Abelardo said the weather bureau is monitoring weather and waterways in Region IV-B.
"While our monitoring shows those waterways are still okay, people must be aware that these may eventually overflow also," she added. (PNA)
