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MANILA – Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental provinces in Mindanao are facing increased risk for flash floods and even rain-induced landslides.
Expected rain from the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and thunderstorms is fanning such risk there, noted Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Rosalie Pagulayan on Monday.
"The expected rain can raise water level of waterways in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental and even cause these channels to overflow," she said.
She noted waterways in both provinces are generally small, making these channels prone to overflows.
These waterways are also generally steep so water flows down fast -- raising possibility for flash floods downstream, she continued.
"Communities there must be prepared for such possibilities," she said.
She likewise reminded the communities to prepare for landslides which rain from the ITCZ and thunderstorms can trigger as well.
On Monday, PAGASA said major waterways likely to be affected are Bukidnon's Upper Tagaloan and Upper/Eastern Cagayan as well as Misamis Oriental's Odiongan, Gingoog, Balatukan, Cabulig, Lower Tagoloan, Lower/Middle Western Cagayan, Iponan and Alubijid.
ITCZ may affect both provinces and other areas of Mindanao until around Tuesday (Sept. 21), noted PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez.
Fair weather may begin prevailing there afterwards, he noted.
Pagulayan, however, said communities concerned must remain alert about thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms can still occur and bring rain that may trigger flash floods and landslides in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, she noted.
PAGASA said some thunderstorms expected in Mindanao can be severe enough to set off such hazards. (PNA)
