Heavy rainfall is expected in 18 provinces in Luzon on Monday due to the southwest monsoon, or ‘habagat,’ which is being enhanced by Tropical Depression Pilandok, the state weather bureau reported.
Based on its 5 a.m. heavy rainfall outlook, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said heavy to intense rains, or around 100 to 200 millimeters (mm) of rainfall, is expected to drench the following areas this Monday:
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
La Union
Abra
Pangasinan
Benguet
Zambales
Bataan
Tarlac
Pampanga
‘Numerous flooding events are likely, especially in areas that are urbanized, low-lying, or near rivers. Landslide likely in moderate to highly susceptible areas,’ Pagasa said.
Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains, or around 50 to 100 mm of rainfall, are expected over the following areas:
Batanes
Apayao
Kalinga
Ifugao
Mountain Province
Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Ecija
Bulacan
Under this condition, localized flooding is possible mainly in urbanized, low-lying or riverside areas, and landslides may occur in highly susceptible areas.
‘Forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas, the weather bureau said, noting that impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall
Pagasa advised the public disaster risk reduction and management offices in the mentioned areas to take all necessary measures ‘to protect life and property.’
In a separate weather advisory on Monday morning, Pagasa reported that Tropical Depression Pilandok had slightly intensified while moving almost stationary over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon.
The tropical depression is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.