By NITZ ARANCONCorrespondent
THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) yesterday warned of a new low-pressure area that could enter Philippine territory today. The weather system is headed towards Mindanao via Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur.
Luz Mercado, Pagasa weather specialist in El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental, said the low-pressure area would bring moderate to heavy rains.
Expect bad weather this weekend.
The weather system was moving over the Pacific Ocean 1,100 kilometers east of Mindanao as of 2 pm yesterday.
Mercado said Northern Mindanao, including Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro, would feel the effects of the low-pressure area.
She said the cloud formation was alarming. “Lapad kaayo ang iyang cloud band, mao na nga dili gyud ta makaliay sa mga pag-ulan sa Northern Mindanao.”
Mercado said the weather system could develop into a tropical cyclone. If it does, Pagasa would call it “Bising.”
Meanwhile, the capitol said it was keeping an eye on eight towns and the component cities of El Salvador and Gingoog.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office identified the towns as Manticao, Alubihid, Tagoloan, Balingasag, Salay, Talisayan, Medina and Magsaysay.
The office’s chief, Fernando Dy, said these areas have been proven to be flood-prone. He said rescue equipment and response teams have been prepared in case of another round of floods and landslides.